Aberdeen FC has revealed a cash boost of more than £5million for its new stadium project – meaning work could begin by the end of the year if the plans are approved next month.
A pledge of £1million from club board member Dave Cormack, as well as financial support from other private individuals, means the Dons are now more than halfway towards the £10million required to create the “much-needed” phase one section at Kingsford, between Kingswells and Westhill.
The plans include a community sports campus, training academy and a dedicated base for the Aberdeen FC Community Trust charity.
Aberdeen FC chairman Stewart Milne said that if the planning application is approved next month, work could begin by the end of the year and the phase one facilities could be open by early 2019.
He said: “We are incredible grateful to these individuals for their generosity. I’m confident that, if we secure a positive planning decision in October, the bulk of the remainder of the funding for this exciting phase will be in place by the end of the year.”
Mr Cormack said he hopes his pledge from his family trust, The Cormack Foundation, will help the Aberdeen FC Community Trust to change even more lives across the north-east.
He said: “My wife, Fiona and I have been blessed financially and we are pleased to be able to play a role in delivering an exciting legacy for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire at Kingsford.
“It’s important to stress that the funds from our foundation are being gifted to the AFC Community Trust.
“The trust positively touches the lives of thousands of people of all ages and from all walks of life, with 160,000 participations, half of which are non-football related.
“This is without a single blade of grass. Imagine what the trust could do with a dedicated home and facilities at Kingsford.
“This commitment by the club to providing much-needed space and facilities for the community makes the whole scheme for Kingsford even more compelling”.
Objectors to the club’s proposals at Kingsford have highlighted a number of concerns, including the development’s potential impact on the environment, traffic, parking, and the amenity of nearby communities.
Aberdeen City councillors will vote on the Kingsford planning application on October 11.
