Plans to demolish Central Park the home of Cowdenbeath FC to make way for a supermarket and housing have been lodged with Fife Council.
Innovate Cowdenbeath Ltd has submitted an application for planning in principle with the local authority in a move to raise money for the Blue Brazil to move to a new community ground at Broad Street.
The stadium would have a 1500-seat stand, all-weather surface, multiple changing rooms for senior and junior teams, cafe, shop and parking.
The plan for the supermarket would see Central Park demolished and the development of mixed-use residential and commercial development, including a class one retail and superstore with associated servicing and vehicle/pedestrian access.
Housing will be built in phase two of the plan following the first phase of retail development.
Vico Properties PLC has submitted separate plans to build a 30,000 square-foot supermarket at North End Park. It also intends to build a sports centre at Gagarin Way and Hope Street in Lumphinnans.
Cowdenbeath chairman Donald Findlay opposes these plans, claiming they are contrary to the mid-Fife local plan and has set out the case for the proposals of the Blue Brazil.
He said, “The mid-Fife local plan has identified the Central Park site for a mixed-use redevelopment scheme and it has been accepted that food retail will form the major part of any such redevelopment.
“The Central Park redevelopment brings with it the potential of a new community football stadium, High Street regeneration and substantial additional new housing stock.
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“There is a recognised town centre location for such development identified in the local plan at Central Park.
“Cowdenbeath FC has been developing proposals over a considerable period through the recognised process of the mid-Fife local plan to promote a solution which will regenerate the town centre and develop a new community-based stadium, which will secure its long-term future.”
He added, “It is our belief that the Central Park site proposal provides the best solution for the regeneration of Cowdenbeath town centre through the development of a major food retail facility which has the potential to provide many jobs locally and support the retail function of the High Street, and the provision of substantial new housing opportunities.
“It can also secure the long-term future of senior football in the town, and the promotion of sport in general, through the development of a new community stadium which is fit for professional football in the 21st century and also provides first-class facilities for learning, training and hospitality.”
Mr Findlay said, “It is our aim to see Cowdenbeath Football Club restored to the heart of the community and playing a significant role in the economic, social and environmental regeneration of the town.
“We share the vision for a vibrant and economically diverse Cowdenbeath and, to this end, it is our intention to continue to work with the local community, Fife Council and other stakeholders to further develop our proposals.”
Fife Council has estimated that if a food retail unit is built on Central Park it will attract 10% of trips from shoppers in Kelty, 5% of trips from people in Ballingry and Lochore, 14% from Lochgelly and 71% of trips from shoppers in Cowdenbeath.
These figures were used by the local authority for the proposed plan for the supermarket at North End Park.
Vico Properties PLC has said there is a lack of “large-scale” investment in retail provision in Cowdenbeath.
A spokesman said, “From the outset there was widespread support for the proposed new retail store in addition to support for investment in new sports facilities.”