A plan to build 210 homes beside Ayr United’s Somerset Park has been lodged with council chiefs.
Club director Jim Kirkwood is behind the move to overhaul land at Tryfield Place.
Kirkwood, who bought the club’s car park in 2011 as part of a deal to stave off Ayr’s financial troubles, hopes to use the site to provide “significant” social housing.
His Allanvale Land Investments firm is leading on the proposal which includes vacant land behind Somerset’s Railway End totalling 4.7 hectares.
The Ayrshire Post understands a longer term aim to invest in Somerset Park could be given a boost by the development.
Kirkwood said: “This is hopefully the beginning of a journey that should be viewed as a positive for the club and its supporters. For me, this is about being here for the long haul and I want to see Ayr United flourish.
“Since buying the car park I have written off every single penny of rent to which I am entitled.
"The council also has a pretty frightening situation when it comes to its need for affordable housing, so everyone can win out of this.”
United chairman, Lachlan Cameron, added: “Fans should not be alarmed in any way by this.
"There would be no negative impact to the club’s future or its ability to stay at Somerset.”
