Construction has started on the site of Aberdeen’s proposed new stadium and training complex at Kingsford.

The club received permission to build a new £50million site earlier this year across the city, which will include a new 20,000-seater stadium and training facilities that will see them leave Pittodrie.

Manager Derek McInnes, who has been heavily involved in the planning and campaigning for the facility, was present as phase one of construction on the site got under way on Tuesday.

The first phase of the development will include the construction of a training pavilion, three training pitches, two 3G pitches and two grass pitches, with building work expected to be completed in the summer of 2019.

McInnes told the club website: “This is a hugely significant milestone for the club as we embark on building long-awaited, best-in-class training facilities.

“Since I took on the role of manager at Aberdeen I have been campaigning for better facilities so there’s a huge sense of relief and excitement today to see work beginning on-site.

“Dedicated, purpose-built facilities, adjacent to our new stadium, will be a major boost for the players and the coaching staff.

“They will help us attract and retain talent as well as providing an excellent base for community engagement and footballing excellence in the north of Scotland that will inspire future generations.”

There has been opposition to the plans throughout however, with campaign group ‘No Kingsford Stadium’ still planning to take legal action.

In a statement released on Monday, they said: “We understand that AFC may be holding some sort of ceremonial ‘cutting of the turf’ as a signal that they intend to commence work on Phase One of the development – the training facilities.

“Please be assured that any work starting does not mean that this is game over. It is far from it. We are fully committed to bringing this case to court via the judicial review process.”

 

Source: footballparadise.com

Report Abuse