POLL RESULTS: Readers back public money being used for new Dons stadium

A majority of P&J readers who took part in our poll want public money to be used to help build a new Aberdeen FC stadium at the city’s beach.

More than 1,100 people responded to our question, which we asked last weekend after Dons chairman Dave Cormack detailed blockbuster plans to replace Pittodrie.

An economic report predicted that a new ground would bring a billion-pound boost to Aberdeen, while becoming Scotland’s first net-zero stadium.

But there were questions on social media over whether it was right for public cash to be invested into the £80 million project, concerns previously shared by leading Lib Dem councillors.

After some dramatic swings in either direction, our unofficial poll ended with 55% saying they would be happy for that to happen.

Though only an indication of public sentiment, it will no doubt prompt some sighs of relief among Dons top brass.

‘City is crying out’ or ‘Club should foot the bill’?

The question kicked off a debate in the comment sections of our Facebook posts, with more than 200 people having their say.

Martin Carnie wrote: “100% yes!

“About time some investment was put into the city, some modernisation is required.

“The city is crying out for a winning team playing in a top class stadium.

“All of this generates business and creates jobs and a buzz to the best city in Scotland.”

But Jamie Glendinning said: “No. The club wants a new stadium then they foot the bill, simple.

“This theory that it’ll be a sports centre for all to use…

“Well, we have that already. It’s called Aberdeen Sports Village.

“If the club can’t afford the stadium on their own then they stay at Pittodrie until they can.”

In fact, the majority of comments left on social media were against contributing public money to the new stadium.

But that margin was not reflected in the much larger pool of people who voted in our poll.

‘Your tax dollars at work’

The Aberdeen stadium report emphasises that the site wouldn’t just be for the Dons.

It could also act as a “symbol” for Aberdeen’s energy transition – perhaps attracting more lucrative investment in the north-east.

And the SFA has backed it too, saying it would be capable of hosting men’s and women’s Scotland games. 

Dave Cormack has said that, in the US, signs boasting about “your tax dollars at work” would be placed around the construction site.