The Scotsman

Work starts on new Dons’ stadium but opposition remains

- By JAMES LITTLE

Constructi­on has started on the site of Aberdeen’s proposed new stadium and training complex at Kingsford.

The club received permission to build a new £50 million site earlier this year across the city, which will include a new 20,000-seater stadium and training facilities that will see them leave Pittodrie.

Manager Derek Mcinnes, who has been heavily involved in the planning and campaignin­g for the facility, was present as phase one of constructi­on on the site got under way yesterday.

The first phase of the developmen­t will include the constructi­on of a training pavilion, three training pitches, two 3G pitches and two grass pitches, with building work expected to be completed in the summer of 2019. Mcinnes told the club website: “This is a hugely significan­t milestone for the club as we embark on building long-awaited, bestin-class training facilities.

“Since I took on the role of manager at Aberdeen I have been campaignin­g for better facilities so there’s a huge sense of excitement today to see work beginning on-site.”

There has been opposition to the plans throughout however, with campaign group No Kingsford Stadium still planning to take legal action.

In a statement released on Monday, they said: “We understand that AFC may be holding some sort of ceremonial ‘cutting of the turf’ as a signal that they intend to commence work on Phase One of the developmen­t. Be assured we are fully committed to bringing this case to court via the judicial review process.”

 ??  ?? 0 Derek Mcinnes: ‘Huge sense of excitement’ to see work start.
0 Derek Mcinnes: ‘Huge sense of excitement’ to see work start.

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