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Pitch Update
Marie Arthur21 Mar - 16:25
Pitch Update
At the end of January we confirmed that we had submitted a full report to the SPFL, and, since then, we have continued to make real progress. We have had positive feedback from the SPFL and the SFA on our plans to resolve the pitch issues, including reinstatement of our Bronze Licence. We are now fully focussed on the activity required to allow us to start work at New Dundas Park at the end of next month.
The £100,000 raised to date has been nothing short of remarkable and shows how much the Club means to so many people. As we engaged with the wider community we realised just how much the presence of professional football means to Midlothian. When we spoke to local businesses it soon became apparent that the economic and social benefits of regular SPFL football are significant and the loss of this would be marked. This led to a series of very constructive conversations with Midlothian Council on how we might avoid the adverse economic and social impact.
Midlothian Council recognised the extraordinary fundraising efforts to date, but also that the cost of the pitch levelling and associated works was more than the eventual amount that would likely be raised in the time available. A detailed proposal was submitted by the Club and, following scrutiny and full council approval, we are pleased to confirm that a contribution has been secured.
Elected members were always very clear that they would not support the use of taxpayers’ money for this purpose and, with this stance, developer contributions have enabled the Club to receive this funding. This is on the basis that by the Club’s location and position in the SPFL, it increases local footfall, increases economic activity and enhances the viability and vitality of the town centre.
This is great news for the Club as it will allow us to undertake the works to a level that, not just meets current criteria, but also helps future-proof New Dundas Park. Supporters and sponsors will see a real change next season when they walk through the gates.
As part of our commitment throughout this process to engage with supporters and the community, we will be holding a supporters and sponsors event in the next few weeks where we will talk in much more detail about the schedule of works, the temporary groundshare plans and how we build on this experience. Details of this event will be announced in due course.
This funding is great news, but our fundraising efforts will continue as we still need to raise more. If you can help us, then hopefully you know now that this will make a difference – we can do this!
The £100,000 raised to date has been nothing short of remarkable and shows how much the Club means to so many people. As we engaged with the wider community we realised just how much the presence of professional football means to Midlothian. When we spoke to local businesses it soon became apparent that the economic and social benefits of regular SPFL football are significant and the loss of this would be marked. This led to a series of very constructive conversations with Midlothian Council on how we might avoid the adverse economic and social impact.
Midlothian Council recognised the extraordinary fundraising efforts to date, but also that the cost of the pitch levelling and associated works was more than the eventual amount that would likely be raised in the time available. A detailed proposal was submitted by the Club and, following scrutiny and full council approval, we are pleased to confirm that a contribution has been secured.
Elected members were always very clear that they would not support the use of taxpayers’ money for this purpose and, with this stance, developer contributions have enabled the Club to receive this funding. This is on the basis that by the Club’s location and position in the SPFL, it increases local footfall, increases economic activity and enhances the viability and vitality of the town centre.
This is great news for the Club as it will allow us to undertake the works to a level that, not just meets current criteria, but also helps future-proof New Dundas Park. Supporters and sponsors will see a real change next season when they walk through the gates.
As part of our commitment throughout this process to engage with supporters and the community, we will be holding a supporters and sponsors event in the next few weeks where we will talk in much more detail about the schedule of works, the temporary groundshare plans and how we build on this experience. Details of this event will be announced in due course.
This funding is great news, but our fundraising efforts will continue as we still need to raise more. If you can help us, then hopefully you know now that this will make a difference – we can do this!
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