A north-east football team is poised to relocate to a brand new facility in Aberdeen.
Press and Journal Highland League side Cove Rangers has come to an agreement with the Aberdeen City Council which will allow the side to relocate from its current ground to a new, 3,000-capacity stadium in nearby Altens.
Yesterday, the council’s property sub-committee approved the plans, which will mean the club would lease the ground, at Bobby Calder Park, from the authority.
Club chairman Keith Moorhouse said last night: “We are absolutely delighted by the decision.
“This allows us to move to the next stage, but is the first in a number of steps.
“It’s great news for everyone involved at this club, but we still have a long way to go.”
A new high school has also been planned for the Calder Park site, and it is likely to be one of the conditions of use that the school has access to the artificial pitch.
The news has also been welcomed by Cove’s supporters.
Ian McIntosh, secretary of the Cove Rangers Supporters Club for five years, said they were overjoyed with the news as they had been looking for a new stadium for a number of years.
“We have definitely found the ideal site. The club has to get the official approval from the council, and this is only the first hurdle to get over.”
Kate Dean, former chairwoman of the supporter’s club and ex-Aberdeen City Council leader, added: “I’ve got mixed feelings, obviously it’s excellent news for Cove Rangers, because the club needs to move.
“At the same time, it will also be sad to see the back of Allan Park as the ground but that’s the way the club needs to go.”
Ross Thomson, vice convener of the council’s education, culture and sport committee, said: “There’s been a provisional agreement, so we’ve agreed to go into a ground lease with the trustees of the club, it’s really good news for the club and the Cove community.”
Allan Park has been earmarked for a new residential development consisting of between 55 and 65 homes.
Developer Scotia Homes has previously submitted a proposal of application notice.