An ambitious plan to bring a go-kart centre to Dundee has spun off track, taking with it a possible 50 new jobs.
West coast firm Karting Ecosse Ltd this week withdrew its formal application to open the city’s only karting centre at a two-storey car park in Douglasfield.
The firm said the move was regrettable but forced upon it due to an unforeseen service charge believed to be in the region of £30,000 per year imposed by the building’s owner.
It is the latest setback to hit the project. Last year it looked set to move into the former Wood Group factory on Forties Road in the Baldovie Industrial Estate, but this also fell through.
In recent days Karting Ecosse Ltd found and agreed a 10-year lease for a large industrial unit at Tom Johnston Road, near Sainsbury’s supermarket, off the A92 Arbroath road. But The Courier has learned this proposal has also hit the buffers.
The premises, owned by SJB Developments Ltd and managed by Perth-based firm Castlecroft Securities Ltd, is zoned under the Dundee City local plan for industrial use only. It is understood that city planners are against changing the use of the site.
John Kerr, a partner at Karting Ecosse Ltd, warned the firm is now starting to look outside the city.
“Around 40 to 50 jobs could have been created through our plan and it would give local folk access to a go-kart track on their doorstep,” he said.
Anne Smith, managing director of Castlecroft Securities, said, “The plans would be beneficial to the area and we ask the council to reconsider its decision.
“The authority is missing out on rates revenue which would be around £65,000 per year.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said the local authority is open to helping the applicant find a suitable location.