CELTIC today received a massive boost with the news that Glasgow City Council have approved the club’s plans to build a multi-million pound hotel, museum, ticket office and an impressive new superstore at the front of the stadium.
The ambitious plans were announced earlier this year but were always provisional as the club had to secure vital planning permission from the City Council.
This approval for the £18million development has now been granted and Celtic will create around 120 new jobs in the East End as a consequence.
Celtic’s hotel will be based on London Road and will be a perfect location for visitors to both Celtic Park and also the Emirates Arena which is just across the road.
Richard Brown, executive director for development and regeneration services at Glasgow City Council, has informed Celtic that planning consent has been granted. No objections were lodged to the plans and the decision notice states that building work must be commenced within three years.
In applying for planning permission Celtic submitted the following statement in support of the application.
“The history of the football club and its worldwide support mean that Celtic Park regularly attracts visitors outwith match days with stadium tours, the club shop and ticket office.
“Provision of a club museum and improved shop/ticketing facilities as proposed will greatly enhance the visitor experience and will help to sustain jobs and economic activity throughout the year.
“The provision of a hotel along with the club facilities will increase the attractiveness of the location as a tourist destination with spin off benefits to the entire area.
“The proposed development will result in the creation of much-needed new employment opportunities associated with the hotel and museum.
“The current lack of hotel accommodation in the vicinity means that everyone attending events at the football stadium or the arena requires to travel on the day of the event adding to traffic volumes in the surrounding area.
“By locating the proposed hotel immediately beside the stadium and arena pressure on the local transport network will be reduced, particularly at times of peak movement.
Celtic recently announced a set of stunning financial accounts with turnover smashing through the £90million mark for the first time ever for a Scottish club (or even a holding company).
Celtic have no plans to install a floating pitch or a casino at the moment.
Last night Celtic defeated the Champions of Belgium, Anderlecht by an impressive 3-0 scoreline in Brussels and now sit level on points with Bayern Munich in second place on the Champions League, Group B.
News from the Council arrived at Celtic Park this morning via the Secret Subway from the City Chambers.
The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind (EP14) Champions League Special
A Celtic State of Mind offers an insight into the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning invincible Scottish champions.
Each episode includes interviews with ‘Celtic-minded’ figures from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature or politics.
Ahead of the crucial Champions League match against Anderlecht, ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ goes behind the Champions League curtain for Celtic’s opening match against PSG.
Kevin Graham provides pre and post-match discussion with members of his CSC, as well as in-match analysis in what will be a regular Celtic State of Mind feature.
Enjoy!
