Dundee’s hard-won reputation as a great place to visit took a battering with the Kirkton riots.
Hopefully it’s a temporary blip that won’t be allowed to stand in the way of the good work that’s been done to rebuild and restore the city’s image.
One project which could go a long way towards boosting both the economy and morale is Dundee FC’s planned new stadium development at Camperdown Park.
Some folk oppose the proposal but it’s unfair to call them NIMBYS.
It’s understandable for people to be concerned about the possible loss of an area providing peace, quiet, and recreation.
The green space at Camperdown Park which is earmarked for the proposed development will be lost for ever if plans for a hotel, bars, commercial space, a 1,000-plus capacity car park, a crematorium and a football stadium come to fruition.
But the owners of Dundee FC feel the club’s future can be secured by the move to a new stadium.
And I’m told they’re close to agreeing a deal to buy Dens Park from the current owner John Bennett in order to resell it to help finance their new project.
Will Dundee FC need new ground before Camperdown plans are realised?
There are suggestions that Dens could be re-sold as soon as the end of the season.
That would leave the possibility of Dundee FC, a city institution boasting a 129-year history, being homeless for a period.
It’s likely the club would have to ground-share somewhere.
I believe there’s little chance of this happening with its neighbours United.
So supporters could be forced to leave the city to follow their team until the new stadium is built.
But the proposed development could be a real game changer for the club.
And bizarrely the grim spectre of death could be the thing that helps to breathe new financial life into the Dark Blues.
Crematorium central to Dundee FC Camperdown plans
Like many clubs, Dundee relies on its owners to pump investment into it.
And among the plans for the Camperdown development is a crematorium.
Before the ghoulish jokes start, consider this: such a scheme could prove to be a money spinner to help finance the club at a time when traditional methods of football income are no longer enough to sustain sporting aspirations.
There’s a strong argument to be made for a second crematorium in the city.
And the income Dundee could generate from operating and owning one would provide much needed revenue to help the the club compete at a higher level.
Seeing a loved one off is an expensive business.
I’m told around £1,000 of income per funeral is achievable.
It’s been suggested the new facility could handle up to 12 funerals a day.
That potentially adds up to a lot of income, so it’s understandable that the club would want something capable of providing such a rich revenue stream at its greenfield development.
Folk might stop spending on other activities, but there will always be a demand for the funeral business.
Much to do – but much to gain for club, supporters and wider city
The plans also include an extension to the current ice rink for curling, as well as a training area, bars, crèche facilities, gymnasia, and other commercial activities.
All this would compliment a stadium with a potential capacity of 25,000, making it attractive to big name acts.
.@DundeeFC's plans to build a new stadium complex at Camperdown Park have moved a step closer. https://t.co/suTiMSqvOg
— Evening Telegraph (@Evening_Tele) September 27, 2022
The project is very ambitious
And Dundee FC still has to satisfy planning issues before it can turn the Camperdown stadium into a reality.
But the stadium project could revitalise the club, while also offering a major concert venue for top performers who would otherwise bypass the area.
If, and it’s still a big if, Dundee can pull off their grandiose plan, it could guarantee the club a bright future while also providing a major boon for the city.
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