HEARTS bosses say their nine-storey £51 million Tynecastle development has been given a boost by the go-ahead for the controversial Haymarket tower.
Following approval of the "spaceship" 17-storey hotel last week, officials within the Gorgie club believe it seriously improves their chances of getting the green light for their own project.
The redevelopment is just over half the size of the £200m Haymarket complex and would see the capacity of Tynecastle increased. It would also mean the pitch was eligible to host European matches.
In addition, a two-tier 10,000-seat stand would incorporate offices, flats and other facilities.
But there had been doubts how the application would be received by the council when it comes to be decided on later this year, after the local community council objected and the police said it may even become a terrorist target. The fact that the planning department is considered to be cautious on such applications anyway does not work in favour of the club.
However, now that the Haymarket development, barely a mile away, has been approved, the club is believed to be extremely confident their development will be accepted.
Considering it is less central and much smaller, officials think it would be near impossible for it to be turned down because a precedent has now been set.
It is understood the acceptance of the project was warmly welcomed in the corridors of power at Tynecastle, and almost assures the development of success, especially considering the club has been working closely with the council since the application was lodged in January.
A club spokesman said: "Naturally we are aware of other new developments in the city, but we certainly wouldn't want to prejudge the outcome of the councillors' view on our own planning application. However, we did note that the development got the go-ahead for Haymarket and as such it does give us confidence in our own plans."
Gorgie Dalry Community Council told the local authority it thought the plans were "overpowering" and said there would be a lack of parking on match days.
They also complained the new 23,000-seater stadium would no longer be set back in behind Gorgie Road, but would instead be right on the main street, adding that in an emergency situation not enough space would be available for vehicles and people.
As well as the terror threat, police said they were worried by plans for an underground car park which would have to be of the "highest possible standards".
The project will be mostly funded by Ukio Bankas – which belongs to Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov. It would boost the current capacity by around 5000.
A council spokeswoman said: "This application is currently being processed. It will be considered by the planning committee in due course."
www.edinburgh.gov.ukwww.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk The full article contains 486 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
