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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Stuart Wilson

Ayr United unveil stunning plans to redevelop Somerset Park

Ayr United have unveiled plans to build a new North Stand at Somerset Park.

The ambitious project, revealed for the first time tonight, will see a mix of 700 seats and terracing under cover.

A plush new hospitality suite, integrated within the structure, will cater for around 170 guests.

The club's operations centre will also switch from the Somerset Hub to purpose built offices within the new stand.

The club's Football Academy and shop will remain within their base at the Hub.

Chairman David Smith, who will underwrite the seven figure scheme, described it as "transformational" for the club.

He told the Ayrshire Post: "This will become an amazing asset for us in the years to come.

"The design ticks so many boxes.

"Hospitality is a big ticket item but more importantly, this whole project future proofs the club.

"If - and hopefully when - we achieve our ambitions on the park, this will mean we are ready for it."

The new-look hospitality suite will feature a 'business club' facility open to companies large and small.

Outside, seats will be placed at the back of the stand with traditional terracing remaining at the front.

Smith said: "I stood across there with my dad and my uncle, so keeping that bit of history is important to me.

"But it's also important to move forward.

"This development will allow us to grow and that is what we need to do as a club.

"But we also know that we need to be able to perform while we transform.

"And we fully intend to do that."

Ayr have a pre-development programme in place and anticipate planning permission could take up to 12 months.

Construction would take another year after that, with United hoping to open their new facility in 2024.

Smith added: "The fans were great in backing us when it came to the Hub and their support for this proposal would be equally appreciated."

Smith, meanwhile, hailed the pivotal role of local firms like design team Denham Youd and engineers Clancy Consulting.

He said: "They have guys working on this project who stand on that terracing every week.

"These are guys immersed in the club and we have talented people on the terraces for whom this project means the world."

And Ayr managing director, Graeme Mathie, says the plans will allow the club to hit new heights.

He told the Post: "To have a vision is probably quite rare in football. And having the ability to live it out is even harder.

"So it's exciting to have be part of a club that wants to walk the walk.

"We want to build a picture of excitement among the fans and we want this club to be ambitious.

"But you need an end goal to do that.

"I'd be amazed if anyone walked away from tonight and wasn't excited by what they've seen.

"The fans have seen a historic moment in the lifetime of Ayr United.

"There hasn't been a significant redevelopment of Somerset Park since it was built.

"We now want to do that."

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