Talks are progressing for a new music venue to be built beside Celtic Park, according to developers.
Plans for the 940-capacity venue to be built by G40 events have been in place since March 2023.
The premises would be built on an empty land on the corner of Dalriada Street and London Road, next to the car park behind the Lisbon Lions stand.
Given its relative lack of capacity, it would be unlikely to prove too disruptive to Celtic matchdays.
And talks regarding the construction of the site are now building up a “head of steam”, having stalled over recent years.
The way I would improve the atmosphere at Celtic Park is…
Music venue could appear alongside Celtic Park
Celtic Park is no stranger to having things built in its vicinity; the 8,200-capacity Emirates Arena appeared on London Road in 2012.
The organisers have secured a license to sell alcohol and extended their planning permission, which had been due to expire.
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Michael McDougall, speaking on behalf of the developers, gave an update on the project to Glasgow’s licensing board.
He told the board that their plan was to “provide a modestly sized venue of 940-person capacity that is to host primarily commercial music events but with the dual purpose of becoming a recreational space for the immediate Parkhead community”.
He also explained that the venue would be “something akin to a smaller version of the SWG3 type operation in the west end”.
McDougall told the board that progress had stalled, due to “end of covid issues” and “some issues around planning and access”.
He added that, though “matters have not progressed as quickly as my client would like”, they are “working very closely with the council”.
G40 Events want to create a venue which hosts events “ranging from live music, corporate dinners, weddings, fashion shows, food and drink events”.
He insisted that the plans had built up a “head of steam”.
Would you be in favour of a “smaller version of SWG3” being built next to Celtic Park?
Fan experience at Celtic Park
Everyone knows that the sale of alcohol inside Scottish football stadiums has been illegal since 1981. When it comes to improving matchday experience for supporters, this would be a good place to start.
Celtic’s fan survey from 2024 also mentioned ideas of moving the safe standing area at Celtic Park. Whilst it would require investment, this could take the stadium atmosphere up a level – though there are obvious questions over whether fans should be relocated from their seats.
The condition of in-stadium grounds as well as price and quality of food have also been talking points among match-going fans.
There is no reason why Celtic Park shouldn’t be one of the best stadiums in the UK – but competition from down south is growing.
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