STACK has announced plans to build a fan zone at St James' Park, bringing a "thriving food, drink and entertainment option" to Strawberry Place for football supporters. 

The plans, lodged with Newcastle City Council, will see a two-storey fan zone constructed at Strawberry Place, including six bars and ten street food units.

STACK, well-known across the North East for repurposing shipping containers to create leisure and social destinations, will see units placed around a central plaza and main stage area.

Proposed STACK locations are already in progress in Durham, Whitely Bay, Bishop Auckland and Middlesbrough. 

Read more: Excitement as plans lodged for new Whitley Bay STACK

In planning proposals, STACK bosses outline that the "new site will attract people of all ages, with carefully curated events and attractions designed for families."

Subject to planning and licensing being granted, it is hoped the fan zone will be open before the end of the year, with an initial lifespan of three years as the club explores potential uses for the site.

The fan zone will "complement recent development projects" around the Strawberry Place site, which sits in the shadow of the stadium's Gallowgate End. The land, which was recently acquired by the club, was previously a car park and was most recently used to accommodate materials for nearby construction projects.

A spokesperson for Newcastle United FC said: "It is anticipated the fan zone will create a host of economic and employment opportunities for the city centre, attracting local businesses as both vendors and suppliers and stimulating additional footfall for neighbouring businesses and services."

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here. 

Developers have also said the site will create 150 full-time and part-time jobs, with Newcastle United Foundation's employability programme - NU Futures - forging links with the fan zone to give local people new opportunities.

NUFC CEO Darren Eales said: "Our fan zone is aimed at enhancing the experience not just for supporters visiting matches
and big events at the stadium, but for people visiting the city centre seven days a week.

"Submitting initial plans is just the first stage and there are a lot of steps in the process, but we are excited to continue working with our commercial and city partners to create something that will really add social and economic value to the location."

Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, said: "The joint venture with Newcastle United to create a fan zone in the city centre is exciting for many reasons, not least of which is the coming together of two great North East brands.

Read next:

"We believe this development is going to be a huge asset, not just to the club and its amazing fans, but to the city as a whole.

"While STACK is now growing to become a national chain, the fact that our very first venture was in Newcastle means it has a special place in our affection.

"We are delighted to be working with the club and Sela to provide a 'best in class' experience for fans and the community, not only on match days but every day of the week."