Aberdeen Football Club bosses have appointed the contractor for a key part of the new Kingsford stadium plans after securing £8 million for the works.
The £50 million stadium and training facilities scheme is slowly taking shape in the land between Westhill and Kingswells, where the Dons will play when they leave their historic Pittodrie stadium.
Now club chiefs have announced Morrison Construction will lead the development of the community sports centre and training facilities.
The appointment comes on the back of the club raising around £8.5 million for this phase of the project.
Additional investments from US investor Tom Crotty and AFC board director Dave Cormack, combined with earlier donations and future pledges have ensured the club cann press ahead.
Chairman Stewart Milne said: “Completing the training facilities as soon as possible is vital in order to retain players and management, attract new talent, and develop future talent through the football academy.
“I’m thrilled that we’ve got the financial backing of investors who share our ambition and are committed to delivering a first-class facility that will benefit the club and also the wider region through the community aspects.”
Mr Milne also confirmed that the club is now budgeting for an additional £1 million of investment in phase one, bringing the total to around £11.5 million.
This is to cover additional grass pitches for the community, an upgraded specification for the 3G pitches, which includes irrigation, and a hybrid surface with undersoil heating on one of the professional pitches.
The extra budget also builds in provision for the costs which may be incurred as a result of the legal challenge.
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There is an impeding legal challenge from objectors group No Kingsford Stadium (NKS) who are disputing that the council’s decision to grant planning permission was made fairly.
Contracts for the overall project are anticipated to “safeguard or create around 150 jobs” initially according to the Dons.
Project director Raymond Edgar added: “Today’s contract award is another major milestone in this project.
“We committed to appointing local firms where possible so that our overall £50 million investment secures and creates jobs and boosts the local economy.”