Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce has his say…
The Aberdeen Football Club stadium plan is one of the key infrastructure projects the chamber believes are vital to the future success of our regional economy, and it is now overdue.
Last year, the chamber undertook a research study that revealed almost 1,000 construction jobs would be created during the build phase and that the financial impact that Aberdeen Football Club has on the local economy would increase by around 66% to around £20million a year.
As has been seen previously here, and in cities elsewhere around the globe, a successful local sports team provides much more than direct economic benefit, with the “feel-good factor” proven to have a positive effect on morale and productivity in the workplace.
We urge that all parties to work together to deliver this in the timescales outlined.
On a personal level, I find this hugely exciting news that firstly provides proper professional training facilities which will improve preparation and performance, and help to attract new signings.
For a long time, I felt that my beloved Dons were suffering from strategic drift, but over the last five years a much stronger sense of vision, ambition and leadership has resulted in a significant upturn in fortunes.
It is now up to fans and the local business community to do their bit by buying in to the vision and committing to the club – whether by buying season tickets, attending more regularly, supporting commercial initiatives or even paying an extra visit to the club shop.
Although many of us will be sad as we head up Merkland Road for the last time, we will do so with many happy memories and great hopes for a new beginning.
On Tuesday, West Ham United played their last ever match at the Boleyn Ground in the east end of London with supporters “bubbling away” – but they too recognised it as a key part of stepping up to compete at a higher level.
