Industry News

Aberdeen hoping for stadium decision by December

Scottish Premiership football club Aberdeen is hoping that a decision on its plans for a new stadium will be reached before the end of the year.

Last month, a council meeting to discuss the club’s plans for a new stadium and sports complex at Kingsford, close to the Aberdeen bypass, was delayed, with further discussions surrounding the project required before a final decision is made.

Aberdeen in January submitted planning application to the city council for a new home ground and training facility as part of a £50m (€57m/$66.3m) project. Some locals have expressed opposition to the plans, with concerns having been raised over the building of the stadium on green belt land.

Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne yesterday (Tuesday) said: “Given our proposals are so vital for the club, but also have a major socio-economic significance for the city and wider region, we felt it was too important to go forward for a decision when it transpired that greater understanding was required, particularly around our approach to site selection and the need for co-location of the stadium and training facilities.

“Our ambition is to be a top 100 European club and to drive maximum socio-economic benefits into our communities through the power and passion of football. Our players and football management are at the heart of delivering that vision. With one complex at Kingsford that encompasses a new stadium, football training academy and community sports hub, we will have a focal point for our footballers and their coaches to train and interact with the community, as well as off the pitch operations.

“This progressive modernisation strategy will lead the way in Scottish football and become the envy of other Scottish clubs. We intend to provide a centre of excellence which, when combined with other sports facilities, will make the North-east a sporting powerhouse.”

Aberdeen is holding regular meetings with the council and the club is hoping that planning application will be granted by the end of the year. Should the project be given the green light, work could begin early next year, with phase one of construction – the community sports hub and training facilities – to be completed within a year. It is hoped that the new stadium would be ready by the 2020-21 season.

Image: The BIG Partnership