Arena Community Stadium

 

A community stadium development (Arena) for AberdeenCity could be built near Loirston Loch, Cove.

 

Reports published today reveal partners investigating the possibility of creating a stadium and associated facilities in Aberdeen have made significant progress.

 

The Arena Project Team formed jointly by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Football Club will present an Outline Business Case for a stadium and ask Councillors to promote Loirston as the preferred site for development.

 

Members will also be asked to give the green light for further development work on the Arena project and back in principle a joint venture as a means of delivery.

 

If built, the Arena would become home to Aberdeen Football Club, a proposed venture partner as well as lead tenant. Officers recommend a 22,000-seat stadium, potentially rising to 30,000 seats, depending on the availability of financial support from the Scottish Government.

 

Officers say sports and leisure developments, such as a community stadium, can play a major role in the successful future of both the city and region.

 

In her report to next week's Council meeting, Head of Planning and Infrastructure, Margaret Bochel, writes: "Development of the Arena Community Stadium will ensure that Aberdeen is acknowledged as a competitive, dynamic and vibrant place to live and work.

 

"The stadium could provide the opportunity to deliver objectives in the Regeneration Strategy, such as developing priority social, economic and environmental projects.

 

"Such a facility would be a major addition to the infrastructure of the city, helping increase participation in sport and encouraging a healthy lifestyle across all sectors of the community."

 

The report will go before Council on December 19.

 

Aberdeen FC's social, economic and cultural role

 

The benefits Aberdeen enjoys as a result of being home to a top division professional football club cannot be underestimated.

 

An economic impact analysis completed in 2006 determined that Aberdeen FC contributes at least £6 million per year to the local economy. The club also supports a total of 350 full time equivalent jobs.

 

Meanwhile, the Dons' community programme is recognised as the best in Scotland - having won the Community Club of the year award every year it has been judged.

 

Shell, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils, The Scottish Football Association, Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, npower, Macdonalds and the Food Standards Agency all support the programme, demonstrating an existing successful partnership between the club, business and the public sector.

 

Pittodrie Stadium

 

Redevelopment of Pittodrie Stadium to meet future needs is not viable.

 

The pitch width and run off areas currently do not meet UEFA standards and the pitch fails to comply with International Rugby Board specifications, meaning it cannot host regular full internationals.

 

As the ground is landlocked, with the exception of the Richard Donald Stand, the best way these issues could be accommodated at the present stadium is to redevelop the Main and South stands to a smaller footprint. These stands, along with the Merkland Road end, are all in relatively poor condition and will require to be completely redeveloped over the next 5?8 years.

 

Taking all of the above into account, there would be a substantial reduction in the stadium's capacity and a major impact on corporate facilities and accommodation, reducing the club's capacity to generate revenue.

 

As the city has no alternative stadium available to Aberdeen Football Club, redevelopment would either take a number of years or require the club to play matches at a remote location - most likely Dundee or Inverness.

 

No European matches could be played within the City during this period of redevelopment and would have to be played in Central Scotland.

 

Eventually, Pittodrie would be left with a capacity of around 15,000, achieved at a cost of around £15million to the club.

 

This would preclude Aberdeen and the region from any involvement in hosting major European and international matches and the city would rule itself out of participating in the hosting of competitions such as the Rugby World Cup or the European Football Championship.

 

A redeveloped Pittodrie would also be unable to accommodate community facilities that would be a significant part of any new stadium.

 

Community Stadium model

 

A community stadium is a partnership-funded initiative that integrates sports and community facilities into a single high quality venue.

 

It should be the home to as many sports clubs and organisations as possible and provide a sport focus for the region whilst maximising the use of accommodation under stands.

 

In Aberdeen, it is suggested that any community stadium could be combined with a football academy for the North East of Scotland and complement the Regional Community Sports facility currently under development at Linksfield.

 

The case for a community stadium in Aberdeen

 

Reports due before members note that the effects of new stadia - and, in particular, community stadia - in British cities have been universally positive, providing major economic and social regeneration opportunities.

 

As with many of these projects, the Arena in Aberdeen is proposed to be much more than a sporting facility. If built, it would raise the city's profile in the eyes of potential investors; link to regeneration strategies in terms of employment, health and fitness, and enhance commercial activity.

 

The Arena also has the potential to deliver high quality architecture, adding to the cultural richness of AberdeenCity and Shire.

 

Officers say design should be of the highest quality - providing a lasting legacy for the citizens of Aberdeen and a development the city can take pride in.

 

In short, the aspiration is to create a facility that is much more than simply a football stadium and can be developed as an educational, training, social, recreational, employment and community hub in use seven days a week for the benefit of the region.

 

The venue would play a major part in further establishing the City and Shire on the national and international map.

 

The results of a City Voice questionnaire revealed overwhelming public support for a community stadium in Aberdeen. Nearly three quarters of those asked were in favour of the project.

 

Delivery

 

The current proposal has been developed in partnership with Aberdeen Football Club, which has provided 50% of all funding. It is envisaged that a joint venture between the club and Council would deliver the Arena, via a stadium management company.

 

The Arena would be home to the Dons, who would act as lead tenant. The development would also provide the opportunity for approximately 150,000 sq ft (14,000 sq m) of floor space for rent, which could include office, retail, hotel, sports, leisure and community facilities.

 

The capitalised rental from these uses would contribute to the overall cost of construction.

 

Capacity

 

The capacity of any new stadium should be sufficient to meet market demand and also allow for future growth.It is also essential that any new stadium be capable of expansion or conversion to host international events.

 

With this in mind, the outline business case has been developed on the principle of a capacity of 22,000 - in line with the present capacity at Pittodrie.

 

However, it is also recommended that the Scottish Government be approached to determine the likelihood of Scotland hosting international competition in the future.

 

If, for example, Scotland were to launch a bid to host the 2016 European Championships, it is likely that a minimum capacity of 30,000 would be required to allow Aberdeen to participate.

 

As neither the City Council or Aberdeen FC could justify the cost associated with providing 8,000 additional seats; it is suggested partners approach the Scottish Government to determine whether there is a real ambition to host such events and discuss the likelihood of contributions to fund the additional infrastructure.

 

Costs

 

The Outline Business case suggests the project could cost in the region of £53 million at today's prices - with suggested Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Football Club contributions at £8 million each.

 

The remaining funding could be realised through stadium revenues, development and planning gain.

 

It must be stressed, however, that these figures are indicative only. Further detailed feasibility is required to ascertain the total level of investment required to deliver the Arena, including assessment of other users and potential partners.

 

Site

 

The Arena Project Team originally looked at four potential locations - at King's Links, Bridge of Don, CalderPark and Loirston.

 

The Outline Business Case eliminates the Bridge of Don site due to existing commitment, site capacity and access issues.The CalderPark site is also eliminated due to existing power lines and pylons running along the south side of the site.

 

The sites at King's Links and Loirston remain as options, with officers recommending Loirston following a detailed comparison of planning issues, site assessment, access and deliverability.

 

Commenting on the above, AFC's Managing Director Duncan Fraser said, "There has been a huge amount of work undertaken behind the scenes by the partners in the Arena initiative in recent times, particularly in the last six months and it's a true example of a partnership working towards the greater good of the City & Shire.

 

"Now that a preferred site has been identified and a vehicle to deliver the project outlined and funding options, the hard work now begins.

 

"We look forward to working closely with the Council and other key stakeholders over the coming period, during which time there will undoubtedly be difficult decisions to make and massive challenges to be met. However the end goal here must surely be to overcome any difficulties we face and deliver a community stadium that will showcase the area as the most forward thinking in the country."

There is absolutely no way AFC will move out to Porthlethen, crowd numbers would plummet and those in charge know it. As folk have mentioned this site is only being mentioned to force Aberdeen City Councils hand, a lot like Trump did with this alternative site for his golf course in Ireland that suddenly became an option when it looked like the Balmedie bid might get thrown out.

It's not like the evening express to come up with sensasionalist pish...

 

Talk about a non-story.

The Labour group secretary, Willie Young, said they would be writing to council leader Kate Dean.

 

A fucking letter!

 

What is this, 1908?

 

Are they delivering it on horseback with some hot wax dripped on it and the Royal Crest of Aberdeen stamped on it?

 

Pick up the fucking phone or take a drive out to their office and have a word!  Not much wonder the fucking city is falling to bits.

 

A letter?

 

Jesus H. Christ! 

Not much wonder the fucking city is falling to bits.

 

Falling to bits? 

Falling to bits? 

 

That's right, falling to bits.

 

Don't let the shiny new flatpack apartments dazzle you as the council have nothing to do with them other than lining their pockets with increased bodies to claim council tax from.

 

Take a look at the train station, Union Street, Marshall College, George Street, St Nicholas House are a few that spring to mind. 

 

Here, have a rollie eye smilie. 

Take a look at the train station, Union Street, Marshall College, George Street, St Nicholas House are a few that spring to mind. 

 

I've gotta get outta this place...

 

 

Here, have a Dean Shiels smiley 

The train station and bus station are finally going through a massive revamp!

The train station and bus station are finally going through a massive revamp!

Well they are building another horrifically designed shopping centre, that the city very definitely does not need, that will incorporate the bus station if that is what you mean.

 

Only thing I take from that story is that Aberdeen City Councillors seem to have no idea what area they actually govern over: 

he added: "I'm not 100% convinced Duffshill is in the shire but, supposing it is, it would obviously change things."

Well they are building another horrifically designed shopping centre

 

With 20 football pitches 

She added: "I'm not 100% convinced Duffshill is in the shire but, supposing it is, it would obviously change things.

 

I thought only hobbits lived in the shire?

She added: "I'm not 100% convinced Duffshill is in the shire but, supposing it is, it would obviously change things."

Oh very dear.

The words "arse" and "elbow" spring to mind.

There is absolutely no way AFC will move out to Porthlethen, crowd numbers would plummet and those in charge know it. As folk have mentioned this site is only being mentioned to force Aberdeen City Councils hand, a lot like Trump did with this alternative site for his golf course in Ireland that suddenly became an option when it looked like the Balmedie bid might get thrown out.

 

Why has everything got to be such a feckin drama in this country?  Other cities around Europe have needed new stadia, planning gets done, stadium gets built, bobs your uncle.  What a fucking carry on.

 

Kings Links, 30,000 all seater stadium with two tiers, 18,000 lower and 12, 000 upper.  We only open the upper section when required (Old Firm, European games, Internationals etc).  Simple, get it fucking built.

 

 

Sheesh. 

Why has everything got to be such a feckin drama in this country?  Other cities around Europe have needed new stadia, planning gets done, stadium gets built, bobs your uncle.  What a fucking carry on.

 

Kings Links, 30,000 all seater stadium with two tiers, 18,000 lower and 12, 000 upper.  We only open the upper section when required (Old Firm, European games, Internationals etc).  Simple, get it fucking built.

 

 

Sheesh. 

 

Nicely put my friend. I'll follow you 

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/833132?UserKey=

Stadium site search stepped up

 

Cove rangers chairman asked to help find best location for £53m community facility

 

By Declan Harte

 

The chairman of Cove Rangers Football Club has been asked to help find a suitable location for a £53million multipurpose community stadium in Aberdeen.

 

The Arena Project, overseen by Aberdeen FC and Aberdeen City Council, has invited Keith Moorhouse to join its monitoring board.

 

The invitation comes with the announcement that the Highland League club could possibly make use of the proposed stadium, with Aberdeen FC.

 

The project is undergoing a £600,000 feasibility study – funded entirely by Aberdeen FC, after the council found that it could not afford to contribute.

 

The two locations proposed so far are the King’s Links, near the beach and Loirston Loch, near Cove.

 

The board has stressed that Cove Rangers’ proximity to Loirston Loch does not indicate any preference for the site, even though both clubs may work together in some form at the new stadium.

 

The Dons’ managing director, Duncan Fraser, said: “AFC and Cove Rangers are the two senior football teams in Aberdeen and we have close ties and a good working relationship.

 

“If they were incorporated on the same site that could be advantageous.â€

 

Cove Rangers, the Highland League champions, have been granted planning permission for a new stadium of their own, at Calder Park, Cove.

 

Mr Moorhouse said: “We recognise that, from a business perspective, we must keep all our options open and we are keen to explore the opportunities that being part of a much larger project offers, both in business and, of course, in footballing terms.

 

“This does not detract from our original plan of having our own purpose-built facility.â€

 

Council leader Kate Dean, who is also a member of the board, added: “We are very keen to progress with finding the most suitable site for the new stadium and our consultants are working hard to assess which of the two sites is the more deliverable.â€

£600000!!!

 

That could be another 12 Sone Alukos

 

Or 3/4 of Brian O'Neil 

touché

£600000!!!

 

That could be another 12 Sone Alukos

 

 

Or 56 fosters and i dont mean tins

Or 56 fosters and i dont mean tins

 

TBH I'd rather have 56 tins of Fosters than one Richard Foster. 56 tins of mildly drinkable pish is better than one pile of unbearable pish!

 

On the stadium front, I can see us and Cove Rangers moving into a shared stadium. Then Cove Rangers will struggle to keep up appearances with the rent money and will merge with us to become ..... ABERDEEN RANGERS!

 

I'm nae supportin that shite!

TBH I'd rather have 56 tins of Fosters than one Richard Foster. 56 tins of mildly drinkable pish is better than one pile of unbearable pish!

 

On the stadium front, I can see us and Cove Rangers moving into a shared stadium. Then Cove Rangers will struggle to keep up appearances with the rent money and will merge with us to become ..... ABERDEEN RANGERS!

 

I'm nae supportin that shite!

 

That's what happened with 1860 & Bayern Munich, but then Bayern just bought 1860's half of the stadium, but there's some complex agreement where only 1860 can buy it back and it has to be for the same price. Hope our stadium looks like the Alliance

Beginning to look like Scotland will need to be awarded the European Championships for any hope of investment towards a new stadium up here.

Members come close to pulling plug on their involvement – but await feasibility study

Doubts over city council’s commitment to stadium project

 

In other news it has been discovered that the Pope is Catholic and Bears shit in woods

I have thought for a while the most likely outcome is that we will end up sharing or even worse renting from Cove Huns as their plans seem to be at a far more advanced stage than ours and seems to have funding in place.