Ayr United unveil stunning plans to redevelop Somerset Park

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Ayr United have unveiled plans to build a new North Stand at Somerset Park. The ambitious project, revealed for the first time time tonight, will see a mix of 700 seats and terracing under cover.

A plush new hospitality suite, integrated within the structure, will cater for around 170 guests. The club's operations centre will also switch from the Somerset Hub to purpose built offices within the new stand.The club's Football Academy and shop will remain within their base at the Hub.Chairman David Smith, who will underwrite the seven figure scheme, described it as "transformational" for the club.

He told the Ayrshire Post: "This will become an amazing asset for us in the years to come. "The design ticks so many boxes. "Hospitality is a big ticket item but more importantly, this whole project future proofs the club. "If - and hopefully when - we achieve our ambitions on the park, this will mean we are ready for it." The new-look hospitality suite will feature a 'business club' facility open to companies large and small.

Outside, seats will be placed at the back of the stand with traditional terracing remaining at the front. Smith said: "I stood across there with my dad and my uncle, so keeping that bit of history is important to me. "But it's also important to move forward. "This development will allow us to grow and that is what we need to do as a club. "But we also know that we need to be able to perform while we transform. "And we fully intend to do that." Ayr have a pre-development programme in place and anticipate planning permission could take up to 12 months.