THE company that owns an area of land next to Pride Park Stadium – which millionaire Peter Gadsby wants to redevelop – has confirmed it has been in preliminary talks with the Derbyshire businessman about his proposals.

Last week, Network Rail, which owns Chaddesden Sidings, told the Derby Telegraph it had not had any discussions with Mr Gadsby about a multi-million-pound plan to create new shops, restaurants, offices and housing on the site.

But yesterday, the company contacted the paper to say that it had, in fact, held preliminary talks with him.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: "We can now confirm that we have held very preliminary talks with Mr Gadsby.

"But matters are at a very early stage and no agreement has yet been reached about the sale of the land."

Network Rail said that all proposals for the redundant site would have to go through an official process to ensure competition because Chaddesden Sidings was public land.

There are four main elements to Mr Gadsby's overall scheme – which could create more than 1,500 jobs.

Pride Plaza involves the building of shops, restaurants and offices on land next to Pride Park Stadium.

Chaddesden Sidings, which is owned by Network Rail, would be redeveloped for housing, offices, retail and a resited park-and-ride scheme.

Mr Gadsby wants Derby City Council to create a cycling velodrome, proposed as part of a £50m overhaul of civic leisure facilities, on the present park-and-ride site next to Pride Park Stadium.

New roads, a new bridge across the River Derwent and a one-way traffic system would also be introduced to ease current congestion problems on Pride Park.

Mr Gadsby unveiled his proposals at the same time as announcing a £37m bid to buy Derby County from its American owners. But the former Rams chairman has stressed that the redevelopment plans do not depend on him successfully buying the club – a move which is being resisted by the present board.