Council bosses say a new Dons stadium at Aberdeen beach might never be built.
The football ground has been pencilled in as part of the local authority’s multi-million-pound proposals to regenerate the seafront for more than two years.
Aberdeen FC is on board with the idea, with the vast majority of supporters keen for the side to remain within the city.
The Dons have declared it their favoured site, over Kingsford, while predicting an accompanying billion-pound economic boost.
But they say they’d need some financial contributions from the authority to make it happen.
And the scheme was thrown into doubt late last year when newly elected council leaders ruled out any public cash going towards the ground.
What has happened now?
And now the stadium plan appears to be on an increasingly shoogly peg.
Newly published documents reveal a decision to “reword” all mentions of the ground.
Hefty dossiers landing on the desks of top officials now refer to the “potential stadium”.
Previously, the framework for the improvements has made reference to the “leisure/stadium” development beside the Beach Ballroom.
It’s now being described as “leisure facilities and potential new stadium”.
Despite this, fresh ideas on its potential design – which could be based on shells or sails – have been included in the major update.
And top officers are already working on ways to discourage the Red Army taking their cars to any possible new home of the Dons – should it ever be built.
Is the new Aberdeen stadium at the beach in doubt?
In December, the council’s Liberal Democrat and SNP leaders confirmed the new ground would be “dependent” on the Dons paying for it.
A spokesman for the partnership today said the ruling group was “not aware” of any recent talks between the Dons and council officials since then.
He added: “We are happy to discuss with Aberdeen FC any proposals it might have for a new stadium.
“But we have been clear that the council will not invest public money in a new stadium for Aberdeen FC.”
Lib Dem leader Ian Yuill insisted that the change of wording simply meant it would be “down to the club” to make a new stadium happen – rather than any council stance against it.
Mr Yull said: “It’s always been the position that it would only happen if funding was put in place.”
What happens if stadium is not built at beach?
Aberdeen FC declined to comment on the fresh uncertainty – with bosses awaiting a business case confirming the costs involved.
However, in November, the Dons unveiled studies carried out by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and MKA Economics.
And chairman Dave Cormack said that, while he could still build at Kingsford cheaper, he would prefer to help regenerate the city centre by staying nearby.
But the businessman also expressed concern at the lack of interest in public funding.
He said in America there would be a contrary attitude – with billboards advertising “your tax dollars at work” during construction.
If it is built, stadium will need to have ‘wow factor’
The latest twist comes as the council pushes ahead with a massive project aimed at breathing new life into the seafront.
And though the stadium is now only a “potential” part of that, it still features prominently in the plans.
The stadium would be attached to other leisure facilities, “putting sport, physical activity, health and well-being at the very heart of the community”.
A new sports centre between the football ground and Beach Ballroom would replace Aberdeen Beach Leisure Centre – which closed on Sunday and will soon be knocked down.
Council still wants at-risk stadium to ‘offer a great experience’
The report adds: “The potential new stadium would provide a new home for Aberdeen FC, of which the supporters, players, and staff could be proud.
“The potential new stadium would offer a great experience for both home supporters and away fans.”
Meanwhile, a major aim of the beach masterplan is restricting traffic flow around the promenade.
And officials say efforts would be made to discourage fans taking attending games by car.
They believe many supporters “are willing to change their travel behaviour if a new stadium was built”.
The report states: “The beachfront offers considerable potential to grow both pedestrian and bus-based trips while reducing car use.”
This could be achieved with travel discounts for season ticket holders, promoting “group travel”, “effective public transport” and using park and ride facilities.
Are you worried the new stadium might never be built? Let us know in our comments section below
Aberdeen stadium might be in doubt – but here’s how it could look…
Both the council and Dons have been keen to stress that any digital images released to this point have been purely indicative.
The finished article could look a lot different.
One option would be based on sails, said to be inspired by the city’s nautical heritage.
Another design under consideration is based on shells.
The report states: “The design inspiration of shells comes from a group of shells found
on the Aberdeen coastline such as mussels.”
You can read the report here.
Conversation