Major new business proposals worth £10 million would create around 50 new jobs and secure the future of two Dundee sporting institutions.
John Clark Motor Group wants to develop a giant new showroom on the city’s Kings Cross Road for Jaguar and Land Rover dealerships.
As part of the plan, the motor company has also pledged to create modern new facilities for both Lochee Harp Football Club and St Francis Boxing Club.
The plan has been described as “win-win” by the firm and by Jim Kelly and Jimmy Marr, the respective presidents of the two sports clubs.
They would be able to offer improved facilities, including a purpose built sports hub and all weather pitches, to their members and local communities.
Mr Marr said the investment signalled a “bright future” for boxing in Dundee, while Mr Kelly said the new facilities for Lochee Harp would benefit both the club and the wider community.
For John Clark, the plan offers an opportunity to expand the group’s Pentland division, which currently includes two Jaguar and four Land Rover sites across Edinburgh, Elgin, Perth and Cupar.
In addition, the proposals include the relocation of John Clark BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad to a state-of-the-art dealership positioned opposite the new Jaguar Land Rover site.
The current facility on Rutherford Road would then be refurbished into a new Specialist Cars Nissan showroom, replacing the current temporary facilities at Myrekirk Road.
The next step is to convince the community before placing the proposals before Dundee City Council planners.
Managing director Chris Clark said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to investing in Dundee, we are very pleased to have worked closely with both Jimmy and Jim to develop the proposals that we are now taking forward.
“We are delighted that this project will bring considerable benefits to both institutions, the local community and our customers.
“It is a significant venture for the group and helps us to realise part of our long term strategy of growth.
“However, we are respectful of the importance of the two clubs to the local community and will work with them, Dundee City Council and the local residents to progress the proposal through the next stages of the planning process.”
St Francis Boxing Club president Jimmy Marr said: “We are extremely excited about the plans as this move will provide much needed new training facilities which will enable us to continue the legacy of our 59-year-old club.
“We have so much potential and our new home, with its new and improved amenities, will undoubtedly generate us more opportunities. I can really see a great future for boxing in Dundee.”
Lochee Harp president Jim Kelly added: “This move is a win-win for the club and its supporters.
“The new site plans include a 3G training pitch which means we’ll be able to play and train in all weathers.
“When it isn’t being used by us, the hope is that members of the local community will be able to book the grounds too, which is fantastic for all aspiring football players.
“I have been involved with the club for many years and have no doubt that this plan offers the best way forward for us.
“In order to be sustainable in the future we need new and improved facilities, not only for the club but for our great players and supporters.”
The proposals will now be the subject of a three-month public consultation, during which members of the local community will be invited to share their views.
Visit www.projectkingscross.co.uk for more information.
