Ryan Reynolds’ £70m plan to transform Wrexham’s stadium has now materialized, with breathtaking pictures revealing the upgrade.

Vision of Reynolds and McElhenney Becoming Reality

The ambitious transformation of Wrexham’s historic Racecourse Ground has moved a significant step closer to completion, with newly released footage offering supporters their most impressive view yet of the ongoing redevelopment.

The new Kop stand is taking shape at Wrexham

Club co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have long spoken about their desire to modernise the stadium and create a venue capable of supporting the club’s remarkable rise. Fresh drone footage and images shared by Wrexham on social media now demonstrate just how substantial that vision has become.

The latest visuals reveal the rapidly developing Kop Stand, which is beginning to dominate the landscape around the Racecourse Ground. Massive steel structures have been erected, giving fans a clear indication of the scale and ambition behind the project.

For many supporters, the images represent tangible proof that the long-awaited stadium transformation is progressing exactly as planned.

New Footage Highlights Major Construction Progress

Wrexham recently shared aerial images and video updates across their social media platforms, providing fans with an up-close look at the redevelopment work.

The scale of the new Kop Stand construction has been brought to life with this new drone footage(Image: Wrexham/X.com)

The footage showcases the impressive steel framework that has now risen well above the existing sections of the stadium. From above, the outline of the new stand is becoming increasingly visible, allowing supporters to imagine how the finished structure will eventually look.

Accompanying the update was a simple but effective message from the club: “Progress continues on the Kop Stand.”

Although brief, the statement reflected the steady advancement of one of the most significant infrastructure projects currently underway in British football.

The images demonstrate that construction remains on schedule, with workers continuing to make substantial progress on the development.

Kop Stand at the Heart of Massive Redevelopment

The new Kop Stand represents the centrepiece of Wrexham’s broader stadium regeneration plans.

Executive Producers Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds attend a red carpet event for FX’s Welcome to Wrexham(Image: Getty Images)

The entire redevelopment project is estimated to cost approximately £70 million and is designed to completely transform the Racecourse Ground into a modern sporting venue capable of supporting the club’s future ambitions.

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly increase the stadium’s capacity and improve facilities for supporters, players, and visitors alike.

The Racecourse Ground currently holds a special place in football history as Wales’ oldest international football stadium. The redevelopment aims to preserve that heritage while simultaneously bringing the venue up to modern standards.

The construction of the new Kop Stand is therefore viewed as a crucial milestone in the wider transformation of both the stadium and the surrounding area.

Increased Capacity to Support Wrexham’s Growth

One of the primary objectives of the redevelopment is increasing the stadium’s overall capacity.

When completed, the Racecourse Ground is expected to accommodate more than 18,000 spectators, a substantial increase from its current size.

The new Kop Stand itself will play a major role in achieving that goal.

Initial plans proposed a smaller capacity, but revised designs have since expanded the project significantly. The updated stand is now expected to accommodate approximately 7,750 supporters.

That figure represents an increase of more than 2,000 seats compared to earlier proposals, reflecting both the club’s growing ambitions and increasing demand from supporters.

Generated images of what the finished stand will look like(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)

With Wrexham continuing their rise through the football pyramid, larger crowds are expected to become the norm, making additional capacity essential.

Construction Timeline Remains on Track

Work on the redevelopment officially began in 2025, marking the start of a project that supporters had eagerly anticipated for several years.

While there were earlier expectations that the stand could be completed sooner, club officials have consistently stressed the importance of ensuring the build is delivered correctly rather than rushing the process.

Rob McElhenney has previously provided supporters with reassurance regarding the construction schedule.

According to the co-chairman, the new stand is expected to be fully operational for the beginning of the 2027/28 season.

That timeline remains the target as construction continues to advance at an impressive pace.

The latest images suggest that major structural work is progressing smoothly and that the project remains firmly on course.

Modern Facilities Planned for Supporters

The new Kop Stand is not simply about increasing capacity.

The redevelopment has been carefully designed to improve the overall matchday experience for supporters.

Once complete, the stand will feature a modern two-tier design that incorporates a variety of facilities aimed at meeting the needs of contemporary football audiences.

Among the planned additions are safe-standing sections, which have become increasingly popular across British football in recent years.

Hospitality areas will also form a key component of the development, providing enhanced premium experiences for supporters and commercial partners.

Accessible seating has been integrated throughout the design to ensure the stadium remains welcoming and inclusive for all visitors.

Collectively, these improvements will help transform the Racecourse Ground into a venue capable of meeting the demands of modern football while retaining its unique identity.

Design Inspired by Local Heritage

While modernisation remains a central objective, preserving Wrexham’s heritage has been equally important throughout the planning process.

The project has been designed by renowned architectural firm Populous, which has sought to combine contemporary features with elements that celebrate the area’s rich history.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the design is the planned red-brick exterior.

The brickwork will take inspiration from the famous Ruabon bricks that have long been associated with the region and remain an important part of local identity.

This approach ensures that the new stand reflects the cultural and historical character of Wrexham rather than appearing detached from its surroundings.

The design team has therefore focused on creating a structure that feels both modern and deeply connected to the community.

Honouring Local History and Club Legends

Several important tributes will also be incorporated into the redevelopment.

Among the most significant is the inclusion of the sister wheel from the Gresford Colliery. The feature will serve as a memorial to the miners who lost their lives in the tragic Gresford mining disaster of 1934.

The decision reflects the club’s commitment to recognising and preserving an important chapter in local history.

In addition, plans include a statue honouring Joey Jones, one of the most beloved figures in Wrexham’s history.

Jones remains an iconic figure among supporters, and the planned tribute will ensure his contribution to the club is permanently commemorated within the stadium precinct.

Together, these features demonstrate that the redevelopment is about far more than bricks and steel.

Part of a Wider Regeneration Project

The stadium transformation forms a key element of the broader Wrexham Gateway initiative.

This ambitious regeneration programme aims to revitalise the area surrounding the Racecourse Ground and create new opportunities for economic growth across the region.

The project seeks to attract visitors, encourage investment, and strengthen Wrexham’s position as a destination for major sporting and entertainment events.

Bringing significant events back to North Wales is viewed as a major objective of

Progress continues on the Kop Stand 📈

🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/OJs9q0fnPS

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) June 15, 2026

the wider development strategy.

The upgraded stadium is expected to play a central role in achieving that goal.

Government Support Boosting Ambitions

The overall redevelopment is estimated to cost approximately $95 million, equivalent to around £70 million.

Support from the Welsh Government has played an important role in helping the project move forward and has strengthened ambitions for the stadium’s future.

An aerial view of the new Kop Stand under construction(Image: Wrexham/X.com)

One of the key long-term objectives is achieving UEFA Category 4 status.

Reaching that level would allow the Racecourse Ground to host major international fixtures and other high-profile events once again.

Such a development would further elevate Wrexham’s growing profile on both the national and international stage.

Owners Confident About the Future

Speaking previously about the project, Rob McElhenney expressed confidence that supporters would be enjoying the new stand from the start of the 2027/28 season.

He made it clear that the goal is for the stand to be fully operational and welcoming fans as soon as that campaign begins.

Ryan Reynolds also praised his fellow co-owner’s determination and drive.

Reflecting on McElhenney’s approach, Reynolds joked that whenever someone tells him something cannot be done, it only motivates him further.

That relentless ambition has become a defining feature of Wrexham’s remarkable rise, and the rapidly developing Kop Stand now stands as visible proof that their vision for the Racecourse Ground is steadily becoming a reality.