Notts County chairman Alan Hardy looking to develop area around Meadow Lane

Alan Hardy has revealed that he is looking into the possibility of building a hotel or apartment block next to Meadow Lane.

The Notts County chairman has identified wasteland next to the Kop end as a potential spot upon which to build property and in turn reinvest in the club.

One potential source of inspiration is the apartment block next to Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium, where residents have a balcony with a view overlooking the pitch.

Another option which has been mentioned is that of redeveloping the entire Kop stand to incorporate flats or hotel rooms - any plans would need to be submitted to Nottingham City Council before any work could happen.

“We’re talking about how best to leverage that area, whether it’s a hotel, residential or retail, and working with some architects on a masterplan," Hardy told the Nottingham Post.

“We’ll use that money to help fund a new training ground complex, which we’re in negotiations about at the moment.

“We’re talking to a couple of hotel chains and seeing what could be possible. One of the things that’s on the drawing board is whether we demolish the existing Kop stand and replace it with something that’s modern.

“The seating section would be an integral part but the upper levels above could be conference rooms and restaurants, and then higher up could be apartments or hotel rooms.

“We’d have to make sure it’s viable but also that it would have long-term benefits for the security of Notts County.

“I was down at Leyton Orient at the end of last season and they’ve got apartments in the corner overlooking the pitch.

“A lot of clubs in League One and League Two don’t tend to be owned by foreign multi-billionaires, but by reasonably successful businessmen and women.

“So they either have to use their own personal wealth to prop the club up or have to find a commercial proposition to assist them on the way.

“Orient have done a great job in developing the area around the ground and we might look to do something similar.

“It might be that we put apartments there and rent them so the club will have a bankroll of money coming in every month.”

Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.