The burden of proof is on Aberdeen FC to make the case for public money.
The club has published a blockbuster report predicting the ground would be worth £1 billion to the city’s economy.
The report was commissioned by the Dons and Aberdeen City Council – and could prove pivotal when it comes to scoring taxpayer cash.
Council asked Aberdeen FC to stay in the city
It was the former Labour and Conservative coalition in charge at the Town House who asked the club to stay at the beach.
Coming out of the Covid pandemic, they wanted a centrepiece for a multi-million-pound revamp at the seafront.
But now, looking down the barrel of an £80m construction bill, Aberdeen FC bosses face talks with a new administration.
And they have been overwhelmingly backed by locals, with 92% of fans surveyed this year supporting the seaside relocation.
Since May, it has been a partnership of the SNP and Liberal Democrats running the council.
Aberdeen FC’s new stadium – and council funding for it – the subject of power-sharing talks
And whether or not to put taxpayer cash into the new proposed football ground was one of the areas that might have caused conflict during their coalition talks.
The SNP prioritised the football ground as part of their Aberdeen manifesto.
Winning the largest share of councillors, they promised to “revitalise our waterfront, working with partners including Aberdeen FC with an aim to deliver new sports facilities and a new stadium“.
The 20 SNP members teamed up with the four Liberal Democrats to command a one-person majority in the chamber.
But the Lib Dems ran on a promise to stop council cash being used to help Aberdeen FC build its new stadium.
They pledged: “Whilst wishing Aberdeen Football Club well, Liberal Democrat councillors will not provide any public funds for the construction of a stadium for AFC.”
Council leadership left door open to funding Aberdeen FC’s new stadium
These contrasting opinions on the use of council cash to help tackle the £80m cost have meant it’s no sure thing for Aberdeen FC.
Coming together to take control of the local authority, the two parties bashed out a near 5,000-word policy agreement.
It reveals the leaders are potentially open to investing in the new Dons arena.
But there must be proof of benefit to the city.
The eventual agreed wording on the stadium shows commitment to “revitalise our beachfront, working with partners including Aberdeen FC with an aim to deliver new sports facilities and a new stadium”.
“(We will not) use public funds except where collaborative working is mutually beneficial,” the document reads.
Dons bosses hope spelling out a £20m-a-year economic boost – eight times the predicted impact of the previously-planned Kingsford stadium – will be proof enough.
Pointing out the community benefits of the beach ground, as well as positioning the arena as a key feature in the beach revamp, could help their cause too.
Conversation