LEGO® City are revealing a swathe of exciting new January 2026 sets today, and that can only mean one thing – exciting new pieces! At Fan Media days in Denmark in September 2025, we spoke to Christopher Leslie Stamp, Design Manager at The LEGO Group about all the new moulds you can expect to find in the upcoming wave.
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New Elementary:
Chris, just like your LEGO® Speed Champions interviews, I see once again you are super-organised and brought all the new moulds with you... and some prototype versions too! Can you take us through them?
Sure, I’ll start with one of my favourites. [Shows 2x2 brackets with centred 1x2 plate, part 7674.] This is the prototype of it (above right], and then this is the final thing. It's going to come in several colours; I think green, grey, black.
So this fits into the brackets family – this is now a new branch of that family tree, let's say. You can put the big brackets above it or below it, and it all lines up; you can align it behind the big brackets or the little brackets and it lines up.
Over the years, I've worked on lots of the brackets; I did the 1 x 1 brackets and things like that. Last year, we didn't get to chat about it, but I also worked on the 2 x 6 bracket [6970], used on the front of the van, because that was designed to go with the new chassis.
New Elementary:
Is this replacing that one up, one down combination, so we can attach things sideways?
Is this replacing that one up, one down combination, so we can attach things sideways?
Chris:
It's just an addition, not a replacement.
It's just an addition, not a replacement.
New E:
I see – this creates a different plate arrangement; the existing solution [combining 99780 with 99781] is two plates high, centred but this is one plate high centred within the five modules, which makes more sense.
I see – this creates a different plate arrangement; the existing solution [combining 99780 with 99781] is two plates high, centred but this is one plate high centred within the five modules, which makes more sense.
Chris:
Exactly. I would like to expand this family; I would love a 1-module wide version, and I would love some other versions of it, because I just see all the benefits.
Exactly. I would like to expand this family; I would love a 1-module wide version, and I would love some other versions of it, because I just see all the benefits.
New E:
Can you tell me about this strange modified plate next?
Can you tell me about this strange modified plate next?
Chris:
This one [7665] is a pure "form-follows-function" element.
This one [7665] is a pure "form-follows-function" element.
New E:
Because of the centring of the minifigures and those stops for the doors?
Because of the centring of the minifigures and those stops for the doors?
Chris:
Yes, because otherwise you have to use the 1 x 3 jumper plate, four of those, but then you don't have stops for the doors. So what we did with the [set 60454] Camper Van was to use the little prongs on the top of a wand box from LEGO® Harry Potter to stop the doors. So this allows you to do that, but in a much easier build.
Yes, because otherwise you have to use the 1 x 3 jumper plate, four of those, but then you don't have stops for the doors. So what we did with the [set 60454] Camper Van was to use the little prongs on the top of a wand box from LEGO® Harry Potter to stop the doors. So this allows you to do that, but in a much easier build.
New E:
What's the placement of the stop ridge at either end?
What's the placement of the stop ridge at either end?
Chris:
The same as a bracket. So if I place two of them together, you can see that it's kind of in the centre. This gap from the ridge to the edge is the width of a door.
The same as a bracket. So if I place two of them together, you can see that it's kind of in the centre. This gap from the ridge to the edge is the width of a door.
We looked into different things for the stop – should it be two dots? Should it be just a little stump in the middle because then you can stack them? – but this final one is unstackable, because the purpose was that it allows you to use these smaller doors, but be able to get two things next to each other.
It's literally in all of these models – even in the helicopter, which doesn't have doors, it's still used there! I made two chassis for LEGO® Speed Champions, those have the same footprint. So it was a 6-wide chassis with the position for two figures next to each other. They were also hollow studs, because they are in a jumping position. This started out as a 1 x 5 but because of age marks and different things like commonality – is it too similar to other elements? – all this, we ended up with a 2 x 6. I think there's benefits to that, like you could make a cool detailed bumper out of it, with light placements, for example.
New E:
How about this half cement mixer, how do you approach something like this?
Chris:
Obviously this shell [7673] is super-specialised because it does one particular thing, but it is bigger than ones we've done before. We looked at the existing ones – we've done two previous ones; one for LEGO® City and one for 4+ LEGO City, and LEGO® Technic has done a big version of this [65421] a few years ago. So this is kind of like the baby brother.
Obviously this shell [7673] is super-specialised because it does one particular thing, but it is bigger than ones we've done before. We looked at the existing ones – we've done two previous ones; one for LEGO® City and one for 4+ LEGO City, and LEGO® Technic has done a big version of this [65421] a few years ago. So this is kind of like the baby brother.
New E:
What changes to the previous designs did you make?
What changes to the previous designs did you make?
Chris:
We thought, should the connector be a LEGO® System connector, however, because this is all used off LEGO Technic gears and things, that makes the most sense. We were asking ourselves things like, should the holes be 7-wide so you get a bigger decoration area in the centre? Are the holes the right distance apart from each other? What you'll see is that the holes are in a 5 x 5 LEGO® Technic System. We've copied all of the stuff that's been proven to work in the past, and we've updated the shape to match our new design style.
We thought, should the connector be a LEGO® System connector, however, because this is all used off LEGO Technic gears and things, that makes the most sense. We were asking ourselves things like, should the holes be 7-wide so you get a bigger decoration area in the centre? Are the holes the right distance apart from each other? What you'll see is that the holes are in a 5 x 5 LEGO® Technic System. We've copied all of the stuff that's been proven to work in the past, and we've updated the shape to match our new design style.
New E:
I see you have a new canopy and a new cab roof?
I see you have a new canopy and a new cab roof?
Chris:
This new cockpit [7664], we are doing it in both transparent and opaque. And this roof [7652] comes in these two colours, the green and the yellow. It follows the curve from the Corvette [part 3573]. Same bow. You could use six of that bow in a line but the bow is not hollowed out underneath, so when you get to hair pieces and stuff – you see how low we got it here? You wouldn't be able to do that with the existing element.
This new cockpit [7664], we are doing it in both transparent and opaque. And this roof [7652] comes in these two colours, the green and the yellow. It follows the curve from the Corvette [part 3573]. Same bow. You could use six of that bow in a line but the bow is not hollowed out underneath, so when you get to hair pieces and stuff – you see how low we got it here? You wouldn't be able to do that with the existing element.
New E:
Of course, and that classic LEGO City thing: canopies need to be simple to remove, just two studs connecting, so children can access the minifigure?
Of course, and that classic LEGO City thing: canopies need to be simple to remove, just two studs connecting, so children can access the minifigure?
Chris:
Exactly. And then we obviously got into a lot of conversations about, how do you hollow it out? So it's got these walls underneath. It's based off the windshields I did for LEGO Speed Champions; they all had a little bit of a rib there. That's structural; if you push right down on the element, you don't want it to flex out.
Exactly. And then we obviously got into a lot of conversations about, how do you hollow it out? So it's got these walls underneath. It's based off the windshields I did for LEGO Speed Champions; they all had a little bit of a rib there. That's structural; if you push right down on the element, you don't want it to flex out.
New E:
So is that edge thinner than a panel?
So is that edge thinner than a panel?
Chris:
Same as a panel, they're always the same measurement, which is the same thickness as a bracket or a door – it's half a plate. Those are the only three measurements we have: the brick, the plate, or the half plate. But that was designed for this model, particularly so that we could get that sweeping look, because otherwise you'd have to build this up with different layers, and it doesn't give you that smooth, clean transition that you see on real life transit vans.
Same as a panel, they're always the same measurement, which is the same thickness as a bracket or a door – it's half a plate. Those are the only three measurements we have: the brick, the plate, or the half plate. But that was designed for this model, particularly so that we could get that sweeping look, because otherwise you'd have to build this up with different layers, and it doesn't give you that smooth, clean transition that you see on real life transit vans.
Another new element that is on this model – but we didn't make it – an 8 x 6 tile. See this sticker is placed over two elements? We would never do that of course – this is the sketch model off the designers desk. Also these stickers will be decorations in the final product.
And that LEGO® logo tile is a 2x2, instead of being in the centre of a much bigger tile. That's so that you can reuse it.
New E:
I just had to get the original truck for those 4x4 LEGO logos!
I just had to get the original truck for those 4x4 LEGO logos!
Chris:
That truck was so popular. That's why we are doing one at a smaller scale.
That truck was so popular. That's why we are doing one at a smaller scale.
New E:
Tell me about this beautiful new flotation ring.
Tell me about this beautiful new flotation ring.
Chris:
The swim ring [7649] is a 2k (dual-moulded) piece. We really like it. We looked into loads of stuff for this. So if you remember a few years ago, we did the rubber ring with the duck in LEGO® Batman, that went around the waist? The problem with that is that it's great for minifigures, but it doesn't look great on the side of a model, because you've got the leg connector in the middle of the ring. If you look at the history of the toilet seat [flotation ring, 30340] and where that's used in Coast Guard etc, it's always on the side of buildings or next to the beach or on the side of a vehicle because it can't fit a minifigure hand. So this one, we said that it needs to look great in the minifigure's hand, on the side of a vehicle, or a model. Now, it can wrap around the waist of a mini-doll, because they've got such a tiny waist, but it can't wrap around the waist of a minifigure, obviously.
The swim ring [7649] is a 2k (dual-moulded) piece. We really like it. We looked into loads of stuff for this. So if you remember a few years ago, we did the rubber ring with the duck in LEGO® Batman, that went around the waist? The problem with that is that it's great for minifigures, but it doesn't look great on the side of a model, because you've got the leg connector in the middle of the ring. If you look at the history of the toilet seat [flotation ring, 30340] and where that's used in Coast Guard etc, it's always on the side of buildings or next to the beach or on the side of a vehicle because it can't fit a minifigure hand. So this one, we said that it needs to look great in the minifigure's hand, on the side of a vehicle, or a model. Now, it can wrap around the waist of a mini-doll, because they've got such a tiny waist, but it can't wrap around the waist of a minifigure, obviously.
New E:
Is the tyre on this tractor new?
Is the tyre on this tractor new?
Chris:
We have a new tyre. Why do we have this tyre? Well, this is a new tractor product we're doing. The goal with this was, how do we make the most attractive looking tractor we can? What I mean by that is it should still look rugged and powerful and aggressive, because these vehicles are like that. On the previous one, we used a completely different tyre on the front. Always looked a little bit unfinished, a bit mix and match?
We have a new tyre. Why do we have this tyre? Well, this is a new tractor product we're doing. The goal with this was, how do we make the most attractive looking tractor we can? What I mean by that is it should still look rugged and powerful and aggressive, because these vehicles are like that. On the previous one, we used a completely different tyre on the front. Always looked a little bit unfinished, a bit mix and match?
This one, as with all the other products as well, you can access the engine. We've got brand new branding on the front, the bull branding. That's something that you'll have noticed these last few years, while I've been in charge of the art direction; 2024, '25, '26. For me, that's very important on LEGO City.
New E:
Well this has been a treasure trove of new moulds!
Well this has been a treasure trove of new moulds!
Chris:
I've got two last things! So there is a small sub-range coming out in LEGO City. They're like smaller cubes of vehicles, so I'm not going to reveal the vehicles, but this is a brand new mini head with a racing helmet.
I've got two last things! So there is a small sub-range coming out in LEGO City. They're like smaller cubes of vehicles, so I'm not going to reveal the vehicles, but this is a brand new mini head with a racing helmet.
This is the larger scale prototype. Now this went through several iterations because the existing one is the space one with the backpack canisters. It was a great team, the guys working on this. I think in the end, we've ended up with the right execution. It's going to come in several colours, I think three.
This doesn't just need to stay in LEGO City, because this could be used in any racing theme moving forward, or crash helmet or whatever. But for the sub-theme that we've created, aimed at a younger age group, 5+, this made sense.
New E:
And the last element is…?
And the last element is…?
Chris:
I brought three versions: the 3d prototype, the unprinted one and the way that we are executing it in LEGO City. So this is our badge, and this will be coming out in one of our largest SKUs. Now last year, you might have noticed we made the crutch elements, because we are trying to show a completely inclusive city; it should represent everything. Now we do know that there's children out there who have these Sunflower Lanyards. It was something that was suggested by the creative lead of LEGO City, Simon Lucas.
I brought three versions: the 3d prototype, the unprinted one and the way that we are executing it in LEGO City. So this is our badge, and this will be coming out in one of our largest SKUs. Now last year, you might have noticed we made the crutch elements, because we are trying to show a completely inclusive city; it should represent everything. Now we do know that there's children out there who have these Sunflower Lanyards. It was something that was suggested by the creative lead of LEGO City, Simon Lucas.
New E:
What were the challenges of creating a Sunflower Lanyard?
What were the challenges of creating a Sunflower Lanyard?
Chris:
The challenge with it is there's different ways you can execute that. You could decorate it on a torso. What torso do you do? Is it a male torso, is it a female? Is it an adult, or a child? Is it someone in a suit? Is it a child in a school outfit? You might end up with 15 different torsos, which doesn't make sense.
The challenge with it is there's different ways you can execute that. You could decorate it on a torso. What torso do you do? Is it a male torso, is it a female? Is it an adult, or a child? Is it someone in a suit? Is it a child in a school outfit? You might end up with 15 different torsos, which doesn't make sense.
New E:
I recall some of the feedback when a Sunflower Lanyard was included in the Modular Buildings set 10350 Tudor Corner is that it was good that the lanyard was just on a shelf at home – they preferred that, because people aren't permanently wearing a sunflower lanyard, so don't print it on a torso.
I recall some of the feedback when a Sunflower Lanyard was included in the Modular Buildings set 10350 Tudor Corner is that it was good that the lanyard was just on a shelf at home – they preferred that, because people aren't permanently wearing a sunflower lanyard, so don't print it on a torso.
Chris:
There's also that thing that sometimes torsos also have skin tones, so how reusable is a torso? It's something that we've tried to not really do so much anymore; if we've got an outfit, especially in LEGO City, we try to not have the neckline. So a torso can be reused on multiple different minifigures.
There's also that thing that sometimes torsos also have skin tones, so how reusable is a torso? It's something that we've tried to not really do so much anymore; if we've got an outfit, especially in LEGO City, we try to not have the neckline. So a torso can be reused on multiple different minifigures.
New E:
So an actual lanyard piece was the solution?
So an actual lanyard piece was the solution?
Chris:
I've got to give full credit to this for Simon, because he thought about it, and it was one of those light-bulb moments. Why don't we make an element to do this? It could be placed on top of every single existing torso we have, even Darth Vader! But this could also be used as a LEGO® badge, or an ID card. It could be used as a security badge. It could be used as many, many other things.
I've got to give full credit to this for Simon, because he thought about it, and it was one of those light-bulb moments. Why don't we make an element to do this? It could be placed on top of every single existing torso we have, even Darth Vader! But this could also be used as a LEGO® badge, or an ID card. It could be used as a security badge. It could be used as many, many other things.
New E:
Even unprinted, it could be a space pack, just adding a bit of depth to the torso?
Even unprinted, it could be a space pack, just adding a bit of depth to the torso?
Chris:
100%, you could use it for whatever you need to. And that's what I think is great here: this is an element solution. An element design that can solve several challenges and could be reused in several different ways, so that's exciting from our perspective.
100%, you could use it for whatever you need to. And that's what I think is great here: this is an element solution. An element design that can solve several challenges and could be reused in several different ways, so that's exciting from our perspective.
New E:
We look forward to putting it through its paces! Thank you so much for taking us through this incredible array, Chris.
We look forward to putting it through its paces! Thank you so much for taking us through this incredible array, Chris.
Our thanks to Chris, the LEGO® City team and the organisers of Fan Media Days 2025 for this interview.
READ MORE: Review: 21064 Paris – City of Love from LEGO® Architecture
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Yes! Love the interviews with Chris, always so insightful.
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