Aberdeen FC chairman Dave Cormack has admitted the Dons’ “dream” to build a new stadium at the beach is at risk of falling apart.
And the businessman has warned that accompanying plans to revive the seafront won’t get off the ground without such a focal point to bring people to the area.
He cautioned that the city centre “cannot afford” the loss of footfall that would come with the side instead building at Kingsford.
In an exclusive statement to the Press and Journal, the Dons boss revealed fears the popular Pittodrie replacement will remain “in doubt” until there is the “political will to make it happen”.
A coastal football stadium has been listed by many Aberdonians as the component of the beach project they are most excited about. But in the new dossier, there were just a few fleeting allusions to what is now referred to as a “potential stadium” - despite being a key component of the plans for over two years.
A new stadium would inject £1bn into the city centre economy over 50 years
Mr Cormack said: “Until there is a full business case and the political will to make it happen, a new stadium at the beach remains in doubt.
“The club is convinced that a beachfront stadium and associated community sports and leisure facilities would be transformational for the city. Successful regeneration projects require a centrepiece that drives socio-economic value.
“Indeed, elements for phase one of the beachfront masterplan are ‘heavily dependent’ on other developments such as the Beach Ballroom and proposed leisure facilities.”
Last year, a report commissioned by the Dons and Aberdeen City Council predicted that the new stadium would inject £1 billion into the local economy over the next 50 years. The club chairman believes it’s an opportunity the city shouldn’t miss.
Mr Cormack continued: “Crucially, it would keep the club in the city centre, which cannot afford to lose any further footfall.”
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