New Aberdeen stadium a step closer as council considers funding for arena

A proposed new stadium for Aberdeen FC has moved another step closer after a Town House showdown.

Councillors clashed on the local authority’s £150 million masterplan for the city centre and beach, which as well as the pedestrianisation of Union Street, a new market and a revamp of George Street, could also include a new home for the Dons.

It would see the club remain close to its historic Pittodrie home rather than following through with plans to relocate to Kingsford on the western outskirts of the city.

Council could fund part of Aberdeen stadium

On Friday the city growth and resources committee approved moves to press ahead with a full business case for their preferred option for the development, which will also include community leisure facilities and a refurbishment of the Beach Ballroom.

And a motion put forward by convener Ryan Houghton was also approved, meaning the council will explore the possibility of jointly funding the new facility along with the Dons.

That was despite opposition from the Liberal Democrats, who remain opposed to any public money being used for the stadium.

“The Liberal Democrats remain totally opposed to spending any council funds on building a stadium for Aberdeen FC,” said group leader Ian Yuill.

“We wish Aberdeen FC well but do not believe public money should be used to build a stadium at the beach for the football club.”

Last week the club’s chairman Dave Cormack praised the “scale and vision” behind the project, claiming the new stadium could be a “focal point” of the regeneration of the beach.

“It is exactly the type of forward-thinking which is required as Aberdeen rises to meet the challenges which the city was already facing before the pandemic,” he added.

Ground provides ‘real stimulus’

“It will provide a real stimulus as we embark on the road to recovery from both the pandemic and the shift away from reliance on fossil fuels.

“The club will work with the council and its consultants to provide input as they develop a detailed business case and funding plan for the project.”

Earlier this year we revealed the Dons were locked in high-level talks with council officials over plans to stay in the city.

They had planned to relocate to Kingsford, where their training ground opened in 2019 – but the Covid-19 pandemic saw those plans put on the back burner.

Now the local authority sees the Dons as a key feature of the future of the city centre.

The full business case for the development will be reported to a future meeting of the committee.