Toxic alert at Tynecastle after Hearts' stadium is branded a 'hazard zone' by safety inspectors because of whisky vats

23 Jun 2013 08:21

Norman Silvester

HEALTH and safety bosses say anyone who wants to develop the site could run into huge problems and face huge clean-up costs.
Tynecastle Stadium Tynecastle Stadium
SNS

MAJOR safety fears could halt any plans to turn Hearts'Tynecastle ground into flats.

A Health and Safety Executive report has branded the stadium a "hazard zone" because it's next to a distillery where whisky vats are stored.

It means that anyone who wants to develop the site could run into major problems and huge clean-up costs.

That could have a huge impact on the troubled club's future as it makes the stadium far less attractive to buyers.

The main creditor Ukio Bankas – who are owed £15million and also own the deeds to the stadium – could accept a bid to buy the ground to recoup some of the debt.

The Edinburgh club were placed in administration last week.

The North British Distillery premises lie at the back of Tynecastle in Wheatfield Road, only a few yards away.

They make whisky which goes into blended brands such as Famous Grouse and Johnny Walker and employ 100 people.

Government inspectors say the giant vats storing alcohol could pose a threat of explosion.

The Health and Safety Executive said: "The Tynecastle stadium lies within the consultation
distance of a major hazard site (North British Distillery Ltd, Wheatfield Road, Edinburgh).

"Edinburgh City Council should consult HSE over any proposed redevelopment of the stadium site and HSE will advise the council as to whether or not there are sufficient reasons, on safety grounds, for advising against the granting of planning permission for the proposed development.

"It will then be for Edinburgh City Council to take HSE's advice into account, along with all other relevant factors, when deciding whether or not to grant planning permission."

Safety concerns by HSE were one reason ex-owner Vladimir Romanov shelved plans for a £51million redevelopment of Tynecastle in 2008.

The Russian wanted to create a hotel, shopping complex, sports bars and leisure centre as part of a
new main stand complex.

Romanov had halted the controversial proposed sale of Tynecastle to Cala Homes for £20.5million in 2005 when he swept into power at the club.

Hearts fans had fiercely protested against then-owner Chris Robinson's plan to sell Tynecastle and move to
Murrayfield.

Edinburgh City Council said: "We would normally consult with HSE on safety issues with planning applications.

"The final decision to grant or refuse any application is down to the council."

Meanwhile, Hearts are almost a third of the way to reaching a cash target set by administrators for season ticket sales. The club need to sell 3000 to fund the next few months.

More than 800 have been sold in the last two days. Hearts are said to need an estimated £800,000 to tide them over and season ticket sales have brought in around £250,000.

Taken from the Daily Record