Store proposal at club could create 10 new jobs

BOSSES at a city football team hope to create a number of new jobs through the renovation of club facilities.

Downfield Junior FC has submitted plans to Dundee City Council in a bid to convert its existing bar into a convenience store with an instore bakery.

In addition, the proposal would see adjoining office and toilet facilities become a beauty salon and changing facilities for the team.

Downfield JFC chairman Alex Duncan said the proposals would create local jobs while playing a “vital” part in securing the club’s future.

He said: “It costs a lot to run a football club and this project will create a few jobs, which are hard to come by just now.

“Kirkton is one of many places in Scotland to have an unemployment problem — we want to be there to help and hopefully the jobs will go to local people.

“I know we’re trying to get money into the club but we’ve got to do this for the people in Kirkton as well.

“We’ve had to decide what’s best for the club and what we think will be beneficial for the area.

“It’s a great opportunity to get up to 10 people into employment.”

Recent statistics collected by the Dundee Partnership show that 43.3% of people in Kirkton and 38% of people in Downfield are unemployed.

Alex said: “It’s early days yet but this is vital for the future of the club.

“The interest we’ve had from people who already have shops has been great. We want to make a community hub shop for people to come to.

“The function suite is busy but the bar trade is quiet — it’s wasted space.”

The proposals, submitted on behalf of the club by Peter Inglis Architects, also feature 28 parking spaces for players and match officials to use on match days, cutting down on parking in residential areas.

Alex Duncan