Industry News

Aberdeen begin work on stadium complex

Scottish Premiership football club Aberdeen has commenced work on the complex that will house its new stadium, training centre, community hub and youth development academy.

The first phase of the £50m project will include the construction of the club’s training pavilion, along with groundsman accommodation, three training pitches, two 3G pitches and two grass pitches.

McIntosh Plant Hire, a local firm, is to carry out initial earthworks and ground remediation ahead of building work commencing in October. The community sports hub and training facilities are due to be completed next summer.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes said: “This is a hugely significant milestone for the club as we embark on building long-awaited, best-in-class training facilities.

“Since I took on the role of manager at AFC I have been campaigning for better facilities so there’s a huge sense of relief and excitement today to see work beginning on-site.

“Dedicated, purpose-built facilities, adjacent to our new stadium, will be a major boost for the players and the coaching staff. They will help us attract and retain talent as well as providing an excellent base for community engagement and footballing excellence in the north of Scotland that will inspire future generations.”

Ally Prockter, Aberdeen FC Community Trust chief executive, added: “These purpose-built facilities will help us support more individuals in communities and reach even more participants of all ages and from different walks of life.

“We currently don’t have sufficient space at Pittodrie or any kind of sporting or classroom facilities to call our own, which can make delivering many projects extremely challenging.

“We are extremely excited about moving to this inspirational setting to continue our work and respond to the needs of more individuals in communities, not just in the city but across the entire North-east.”

Aberdeen stressed that it has promised to engage local firms on the project wherever possible.

Image: Aberdeen FC