East Fife FC has unveiled ambitious plans to move to a new state-of-the-art stadium and leisure complex which is likely to cost around £4.5 million.
The second division club revealed it wants to relocate from New Bayview to a brand new 3000 all-seater ground opposite drinks giant Diageo’s site at Windygates.
The major development will include stadium training grounds, a supermarket, an educational facility and a sports centre, while there are also plans for some sort of park and ride set-up at the complex.
Club chairman Sid Collumbine admits the proposals are ambitious but confirms that a land switch deal with developer Muir Homes is in the process of being done, with grants from other sources being sought to meet any outstanding costs.
While the blueprint mooted would be hugely significant for the area if it comes to pass, the relocation plans will no doubt still come as something of a surprise for supporters who last saw their club move grounds just 12 years ago.
“If the club grows the community grows and if the community grows the club grows, so it should be a win-win situation for everyone,” Mr Collumbine stressed.
“We feel this is going to be a really exciting thing for the community and there are various different things planned for inside the stands and the complex which will hopefully generate revenue seven days a week, rather than just once every fortnight.
“It’s very ambitious but I’m very excited about the development and I hope businesses will also benefit from the influx of people coming into the area.
“We’ve been desperate to get things moving and we’ve spent a lot of time making sure the Ts are crossed and the Is are dotted.”
However, a major aspect is that facilities will be open to the community for use throughout the week.
The new stadium, which will have two main stands to hold up to 3000 fans, is expected to cost between £4 million and £4.5 million.
While details have still to be firmed up, the aim is that any cost to East Fife will be negligible due to the land switch agreement with a finance package attached to the land deal and community grants expected to cover the total cost.
“There should be no cost to East Fife Football Club and I’ve always said that I will never lead East Fife into debt. We will remain debt-free and the new stadium will be ours,” Mr Collumbine added.
He pointed out that the complex should also become a major source of employment in the Levenmouth area, although he was unable to give firm figures on how many jobs could be created.
What will become of the land near Methil docks where New Bayview sits is unknown but, with the infamous power station also due to come down, talks on what should be built in the prime waterfront area are expected to gather pace.
Mr Collumbine said, “As far as we’re led to believe the council want that area to build a power centre and this development will benefit Muir because it will be them building the complex.”
A planning application could be lodged as early as next week and the club confirmed that work towards the new stadium will begin as soon as possible after permission is granted by Fife Council.
Eugene Clarke, East Fife Supporters’ Trust representative on the club’s board, said reaction from fans to the news had so far been largely positive.
“In terms of the move I don’t think anyone will shed a tear because the current stadium doesn’t have the affection that old Bayview had,” he said, “while this plan certainly ties in with the trust’s aims of the club being more involved in the community.
“We’re very keen on the concept and the board’s position is that East Fife will not be in debt and will own the stadium.”
It is understood the proposal was moved forward after supermarket giant Tesco confirmed plans to move into Leven earlier this month.