Hearts to remodel stadium

Scottish Heart of Midlothian intends to build a new 12,000 seat main stand in the Tynecastle area, at a cost of GBP 6 million.

A planning application will be submitted soon and once approved, the redevelopment of the stadium will increase the overall capacity from 17,000 to 26,000.

The club was given the O.K. to go ahead with its plans after a meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council's executive committee.

Proposals to relocate the nursery and adult education centre behind Tynecastle's main stand were approved, clearing the way for Hearts to buy the land for about GBP 1.8 million.

The club also wants to buy the site that is currently occupied by Tynecastle High School for an estimated GBP 4 million. The school would then be relocated somewhere nearby.

The club also entered into a three-way agreement with the council and North British Distillery to relocate the distillery's whisky storage facilities.

"In total, Hearts will, subject to approval of its imminent planning application, invest over GBP 6 million in land purchase simply to allow it the potential to redevelop Tynecastle into a top class European stadium," a statement issued by Hearts read. "Further details of stadium redevelopment plans and related investment information will only be issued after submission of a planning application."

All home matches have been sold out since the club's takeover by Vladimir Romanov.

Last October, Romanov said his future plans were to move the Roseburn and Wheatfield stands further back so the playing field would meet UEFA standards.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.