Dumbarton have announced ambitious plans to move from their Bet Butler Stadium home of nearly 14 years to a 4000-capacity stadium on the outskirts of the town.
The plan to move to Young's Farm in the west of Dumbarton includes the development of non-football facilities such as a hotel, gym/leisure and conference facilities as well as a restaurant, shop and offices along with increased hospitality accommodation for games.
Dumbarton moved in 2000 from the Boghead home they had used from 1879 to the 2020 capacity site they presently occupy that sits alongside Dumbarton Rock.
In the summer of 2012 it became the Bet Butler Stadium, however the SPFL Championship side yesterday submitted Proposal of Application Notices to West Dunbartonshire Council advising of their plans.
The existing site cannot be developed due to existing land restrictions and the proximity of local housing, but with the site believed to be attractive to house builders, consultation with the community will start soon ahead of planning applications being lodged in January 2015.
The stadium designs show 3000 seats and space for 1000 fans on a terracing with the capacity being delivered in stages, while the club will look to maintain a grass pitch for first-team use with up to three artificial pitches being built to accommodate training facilities and additional playing pitches for community use.
A spokesman for the club said: "We have been looking for a new site for a stadium for over 5 years and we are excited to now progress plans for a new sporting facility that can put Dumbarton Football Club at the heart of the local community.
"Consultations have been had with our Supporters Trust, and our forthcoming public exhibition will allow supporters and local residents to view and comment on our proposals.
"The relocation presents a unique opportunity to create firm foundations for a successful football club."
A public exhibition of the proposals will be held at the Bet Butler Stadium on November 6 and 7 with the club expected to publish updates before then.
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