For Sale...

Here is an image from the NUST recent mail out showing the land Ashley is looking to sell for development.
It's a shame he doesn't retain it as he is effectively selling off the future expansion of the Gallowgate end.
This pic has been kicking around for a while but I thought I'd share nonetheless.

please log in to view this image

 

You'd think he'd be aware of the cash he'd make by developing the GG end.

[video=youtube;J3jrWVp2L7U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3jrWVp2L7U[/video]

 

My gut feel (and it is a big gut to feel) is that it will end up a hotel.
Prime spot too... could drop in an air bridge to walk straigh over to the Gallowgate.

 

I don't really see the point in selling the land off, other than a means of making some easy money.

At the same time I cant see the Gallowgate End being developed in the foreseeable future.

Even back in the 90's when FFS acquired the lease, they were looking at a conservative £300m development which would take the capacity to 60k max.
Throw in the problem of building on top of the Metro and closing Strawberry Place which would then a knock on effect on the road infrastructure for that part of Gallowgate and Leazes Village and access to the RVI from the West End, it was never going to happen.

Still not right though that MA sells and pockets the proceeds.

 

If Ashley does indeed offer this bit of land for sale, the new owners would need planning permission to build something, that the council could refuse, making the land of little commercial value. Buyers will look into this problem, surely?
So it may not be that sellable - I'm no planner so I could be totally wrong though ...

 

You're right about the council being able to refuse planning permission and they very likely will. They care more about the Club and location than MA does.

 

Its well past the stage of if he'll sell.

It’s understood a shortlist of developers has been drawn-up with due diligence currently under way.

 

the council cannot refuse planning permission on the grounds of sentimentality,
if the council refuses planning on whatever grounds they can make up, they can go direct to the Government who could overturn any decisions
made by the council, these guys don't hold back because it's likely to piss us off, they look at the bigger picture
this is prime real estate, I know, as I have my own business premises nearby
there are lots of investors sniffing around at the moment, so he shouldn't have any problems selling the land
unless he's a greedy bastard and wants too much money (which he is) but everything has a price
including my premises

 

How much rep do you want for them?

 

about 7500 square foot worth

 

Paid in full.

 

I'll think about you when I cash in

 

I thought the council owned the land and NUFC had the lease? or was that just for St James'? Or am I completely wrong?

 

You mean YOU own the Shark Club?
Have I ever told you that you are my favourite poster x

 

I thought the St. James' metro was on this land(or underneath it). Therefore development will be difficult, or very costly.

 

I believe the council do own the land with NUFC purely owning the long lease. This may well give the council more say in the matter.
Also true that it will be more difficult/expensive to build on due to the metro but far from impossible. Thats the whole point of it being underground.
The road at the back of the Gallowgate could very easily run under the stand which i presume would have been thought of long ago when plans were origionally looked at although obviously it would be closed during construction.
Looking at the site there is still a long stretch between the end of the current Gallowgate stand and the edge of the metro taking in the paved area, road, then another paved area so not really beyond the wit of man to extend the ground AND build above the metro, if planned in advance as i cant see any investment in ground expansion happening in the near future. This surely would keep all parties happy or is commonsense and compromise just not in existance any more.

 

Thought so little of me you left neg rep?

 

Gone very quiet again on this issue

 

That will be Ashley's secret police....

 

ha ha very likely