Aberdeen chief hopes stadium plans will get green light next month

Aberdeen could begin work on their new stadium at the beginning of next year if plans are given the green light by the city council.

An artist's impression of Aberdeen's proposed new stadium.

Club chairman Stewart Milne is confident of having the final proposals in front of councillors in December following a delay.

The £50m plans for the new stadium and training ground facilities at Kingsford were originally scheduled to be decided in October, but Aberdeen asked for the vote to be postponed.

An artist's impression of Aberdeen's proposed new stadium.

Milne told the Evening Express: “Throughout this process, we have endeavoured to work constructively and co-operatively with Aberdeen City Council and have met every request for additional information.

“Given our proposals are so vital for the club, but also have a major socio-economic significance for the city and wider region, we felt it was too important to go forward for a decision when it transpired that greater understanding was required, particularly around our approach to site selection and the need for co-location of the stadium and training facilities.”

The Ladbrokes Premiership side are aiming to have the new stadium ready for the 2020/21 season.

The proposals have been met with criticism from some quarters, including the No to Kingsford campaign group, but Milne remains steadfast in his belief that the construction would benefit both the club and the city as a whole.

An artist's impression of Aberdeen's proposed new stadium.

He added: “This delay is obviously disappointing.

“But it’s crucial that we have the best chance of getting the right decision for the club, the city, the region, our fans and the thousands of individuals from all communities who benefit from the activities of the trust.”