Aberdeen FC manager Jim Goodwin believes the club’s proposed new stadium could have transformational impact on the city.
A new stadium at Aberdeen beach is projected to inject at least £1billion into the local economy over the next 50 years and generate footfall of 38 million.
The economic impact of a community sports stadium as the centrepiece in Aberdeen’s beach regeneration was published in Thursday following a report carried out by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and MKA Economics, jointly commissioned by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Football Club.
The report estimates that the stadium and community facilities would generate an additional £20m into the local economy every year.
Pittodrie currently generates around 400,000 visits every year. But with bigger and better facilities, the new stadium could bring an additional 350,000 visitors per year for major events alone. That is a total footfall of 750,000 every year.
Dons boss Jim Goodwin has now added his backing.
“I’ve looked at the plans in depth and had some really good conversations with the chairman and commercial guys," he said.
“We are all in agreement that it would be a fantastic thing if we could get it signed off with assistance from the council and local government.
“If everyone can see the bigger picture and see what it would do for the future of Aberdeen, I think it would be well worthwhile investing in.
“It’s not just about Aberdeen FC and improving our facilities. This is about trying to improve the beachfront at Aberdeen and make it more of a tourist attraction with the other amenities that will be tied in.
“There’s a lot of economic value to the stadium being built as well. In a time when everyone is struggling financially then if we could create more jobs and opportunity for people it can only be a positive.
“I don’t know if and when it’s going to be signed off. I’m led to believe there’s been conversations for a number of years.
“But I know Dave Cormack and some of the local guys are really trying to drive it on. They can see what a great thing it could be for the city.”