Palmerston Park could be redeveloped

May 15 2009 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Friday

A HOUSING deal could hold the key to a lucrative redevelopment of Palmerston Park.

Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership has approached Queen of the South with an idea that would “mutually benefit” both sides.

Sources have told the Standard it would involve the social housing landlords using a land owned by Queens on Lochfield Road for housing. It’s currently home to a former Tesco store, car park and a section of unused ground.

In return, Queen of the South would receive substantial work carried out on their stadium, which could involve at least one new all-seater stand.

Both Queens and DGHP have stressed that no deal has yet been done, but meetings have taken place.

Yesterday, DGHP spokeswoman Jayne Moore, told the Standard: “We are pleased to confirm that we are in discussions with Queen of the South about developing the Palmerston site to our mutual advantage.

“Although it’s early days, and clearly no firm proposals have been agreed, we are extremely excited about the possibility of working in partnership with the football club to provide facilities that will benefit not only DGHP’s tenants but also the community.”

Queen of the South chairman Davie Rae (pictured) confirmed yesterday there had been an approach from DGHP but he remained tight-lipped.

“There is nothing concrete,” he said.

“What is important is that we make a decision that is best for the future of the club. Something will maybe happen in the next month or two or the next few months.

“We have been in discussions but I would like to leave it at that. When we do have something positive to say then there will be an announcement.”

Any development of more seating at Palmerston would benefit the club in its ambition to enter the SPL, where a minimum of 6,000 seats is required.

Palmerston currently has just over 3,500 seats in its 6,412 capacity.

Plans unveiled by the club in 2005 were to have 1,500 seater stands installed at both the Portland Road and Terregles Street ends.

They were also to include community facilities. European cash was hoped for but the scheme was shelved in 2006 due to a lack of cash.

Last year, Tesco agreed to end a 99-year lease agreement they had with Queens on their old site, meaning it is now free for the club to develop.

However, a condition remains that nothing can be developed which would impact upon the Tesco business round the corner at Cuckoo Bridge.