Chairman Dave Cormack has warned Aberdeen FC could still build its new stadium at Kingsford – depending on talks with the council.
And while heralding the knock-on benefits of the proposed seaside ground, the businessman revealed to the P&J that he “cries” at the sight of the run-down Union Street.
It came as the Dons unveiled a new report on Thursday, projecting a £1 billion boost for the local economy if the planned beach ground goes ahead.
Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and MKA Economics carried out the research for the club and council.
Now priced at £80 million, a new home for the Dons has been proposed as a centrepiece for a multi-million-pound revamp of the beachfront.
Aberdeen FC heralds community benefit of new stadium
On top of the £20m-a-year economic boost, the new net zero arena is hoped to bring far-reaching community benefit.
It would allow a front-of-house for the AFC Community Trust and offer flexible space for their work.
Councillors will vote on the wider £150m city centre and beach masterplan in December.
And Mr Cormack has set out his stall for councillors: “Here’s what we can deliver at beach. What do you want us to build?
“Do they want to more or less?
“So it really is going to come down to the new SNP and Liberal Democrat administration to make the decision on what this looks like going forward.
“These projects are going to be funded over the next five, 10 or 20 years. And, as capital investment, we are not asking for money to prop ourselves up.”
Cormack: Kingsford stadium would cost Aberdeen FC ‘much less’ to build
If Aberdeen FC and the city council cannot come to a deal on the beach, Mr Cormack fears some of the community good will be lost at Kingsford.
For example, pillars in the stands would perhaps rob the AFC Community Trust of space for its activities.
A 2016 report suggested Kingsford would be worth eight times less than the current beach proposals to the local economy too.
The only thing that is clear is that redeveloping Pittodrie is not an option. Club bosses insist the money from the sale of the land is needed to pay for the new stadium.
The AFC chairman warned not having the arena as an “anchor project” at the beach could risk the success of other developments.
There are plans for an urban park, new boardwalk and vast pedestrianisation at the seafront.
“We could certainly build a much cheaper stadium at Kingsford,” Mr Cormack told The P&J.
“As a rough number, it could cost £25m to £30m less.
“But the goal for this stadium is to deliver for the community and the economic benefit of the city.
“For me – someone who loves Aberdeen and cries when he walks down Union Street – everything is at its end of life down at the beach.
“This is an opportunity to have a living breathing environment, from pedestrianised Union Street – as it should be – through to the beach.
“It will dramatically change the fortunes of Aberdeen.”
How much council cash does Aberdeen FC want for the new ground?
Mr Cormack did not want to name a figure he would ask the council to put towards the new stadium.
He was clear he was not calling on the council to match the £25m saving Kingsford would offer.
Thursday’s report makes a case for a shared community stadium and leisure facilities complex at the beach.
It also highlights the option of the city leasing the ground to Aberdeen FC.
It is hoped its net zero credentials would unlock additional avenues to pursue funding from national governments too.
Commenting on its jointly commissioned report into the proposed ground, an Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “The funding of a replacement for Pittodrie Stadium remains a matter for Aberdeen Football Club.
“Any proposal for a new stadium at the beach would be subject to the statutory planning process.
“The council looks forward to considering ways to develop the Beach area as part of its wider masterplan.”
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