NOD FOR HEARTS OVER LAND DEAL

HEARTS have moved closer to realising owner Vladimir Romanov's dream of redeveloping Tynecastle after striking a near £6million deal to buy land surrounding the stadium.

The Gorgie outfit want to haul their 90-year-old main stand into the 21st century to provide them with increased revenue.

The nearby Tynecastle High School and McLeod Street adult education centre presented problems for any expansion, leading to former chief executive Chris Robinson's decision to sell the ground for housing in favour of a purpose built arena elsewhere.

However, it's understood an agreement is now in place with Edinburgh City Council for Hearts to buy the school and education centre for £4.1m and £1.8m respectively, paving the way for a planning application.

The deal was expected to be rubber-stamped this month but has been delayed until January as the council seek assurances the land will only be used for extending the stadium.

Romanov wants to see Hearts playing at a 40,000- seat Tynecastle but if the project goes ahead it is expected they will press on first with plans for a new 12,000-seater main stand.

Taken from the Daily Record