WORK will commence this week to install a temporary stand behind the goal at the Kop End at Wrexham AFC's STōK Cae Ras.

The temporary stand will have a capacity of 2,289 and accommodation for an additional 20 wheelchairs with access via Crispin Lane. It is hoped the stand will be ready in time for all Wrexham fixtures from the Newport County match on Saturday, December 23. The stand will be for home fans only.

The applications for the relevant permissions and licences are being made simultaneously with the construction.

The club said it would like to thank both Wrexham University and the Welsh Government for their support to allow this to happen, as well as all those who will be involved at short notice from the council with the statutory licencing process.

A club spokesman said: "We are making good progress resolving the outstanding matters before the Kop Development can commence, but with a minimum of three months mobilisation period before work can start on site, we can now install a temporary stand without negatively impacting the construction programme for the Kop.

"The costs of the temporary stand will be greater than generated from ticket sales, but the Board felt the priority was to enable more fans to see the team live and address the frustration felt by some that they can’t get a ticket for games.

"The temporary stand will be priced at £20 for adults, £15 for Over-65s/Under-21s, £9 for Under-18s and £6 for under-11s. This pricing reflects that the stand will not have a roof and fans will be exposed to any inclement weather. The tickets will be made available to members in the first instance via the normal sales process once the required licences to use it are in place."

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Work on the new Kop stand won't be completed before the start of the 2024/25 season, as the club battles to remove a planning condition affecting the development. 

A decision notice was issued by Wrexham Council last month on the club’s application to vary planning conditions which currently limit the planned 5,500 seat stand to a capacity of 4,900.

Having gained planning permission for the demolition of the old terrace and construction of the new Kop a year ago, last month the club owned sought permission to remove a condition imposed when that was granted.

The condition restricting use of the stand to 4,900 was put in place until the impact of potential river pollution had been accurately quantified.

The club has since reapplied for permission to remove this planning condition.