Aberdeen could still have future in Pittodrie area of the city, despite Kingsford Stadium plans

Pittodrie has been Aberdeen's historic home ground since 1903 (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

The Dons’ present site near the beach is earmarked for new housing to be built once the club vacates the stadium. But financial issues from the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of crowds allowed in football grounds has seen progress stall on the planned move.

And although a club spokeswoman said the Dons “remain committed to a new stadium, sports and community facilities at Kingsford,” discussions have been held over continued involvement at the beach area of the city with council officials admitting the club could stay put – at a new stadium site suggested nearby.

The change of plan could form part of a re-worked city plan as a wider consequence of the pandemic. Aberdeen city council capital programme convener Marie Boulton said: “Covid-19 has hampered our ability to bring the process forward as early as we would have wanted.”

With a view to plans in the beach area of the city, she added: “There requires further discussions with stakeholders, one of which is Aberdeen Football Club who may now have a desire to remain within their spiritual home down at the beach.”

The Evening Express reports an alternative site has been identified on a former Hilton hotel 500m away from Pittodrie.

The Dons admitted ‘initial converations’ in maintaining a presence in the area had been held, but they remain focused on moving alongside Cormack Park where they currently train.

A statement said: “With Pittodrie earmarked for housing, we are a key stakeholder at the beach.

“During initial conversations, the possibility of the club being involved in the sports and leisure element was discussed.

“It's far too early to make any comment on whether or not this would be progressed by either the club or the council.

“We remain committed to a new stadium, sports and community facilities at Kingsford, albeit our plans to progress to the next stage have stalled due to the financial challenges we are facing as a result of the pandemic.”

In November chairman Dave Cormack said the club was committed to moving to the new 20,000-seater ground – but admitted the financial impact from the continued absence of fans in the grounds could delay the project.

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