BY DARREN JOHNSTONE – @CCP_Sport
HEARTS have been granted planning permission for their new £12 million Main Stand following a public hearing at Edinburgh City Chambers.
Demolition work at the site will begin next month and, following a six-week clearing process, construction on the state-of-the-art 7,290-capacity enclosure is due to begin in December.
The capital club were represented by owner Ann Budge and chief operating officer Scot Gardiner at the hearing, which lasted just over an hour, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also making a presentation.
The HSE confirmed they wouldn’t advise against the Council granting planning permission for the structure despite its proximity to hazardous materials at the nearby distillery, while Hearts allayed fears over noise pollution from planned the rooftop terrace.
The new stand, which will replace the existing structure which dates back to 1914, is to boast a spectacular glass facade and will house UEFA-standard player and media facilities, new hospitality areas and additional office space.
It will also see the capacity of Tynecastle rise to 20,099 from its current maximum of 17,529.
Hearts are likely to play several games away from home at the start of next season whilst the renovation of Tynecastle is completed, with a provisional end date for works slated for September 2017.
