Source: Team_Talk
Dons move closer to new stadium
Experts conducted a year-long series of feasibility studies to compare the merits of Loirston Loch with the King's Links near Aberdeen beach to determine the best site for the development, which is expected to be co-funded by the Dons and Aberdeen City Council.
Both were examined in three key areas - the environmental assessment, travel and transport, and the business and design case - and Loirston Loch came out on top.
Aberdeen managing director Duncan Fraser said: "When it was first decided to look at the two sites in December 2007, we knew that it was essential to carry out a detailed examination of each site to assess which was the most deliverable.
"The bottom line is that it isn't viable to redevelop Pittodrie.
"It is an outdated stadium and we absolutely have to move; we have no other option but to relocate.
"We recognise how difficult this is for supporters as the beach area is for many the spiritual home of Aberdeen Football Club.
"These recommendations have still to be approved and, at the appropriate time, there will be a full consultation process with all of our stakeholders including, of course, fans as their feedback and opinion is so important.
"For over a year now, the consultants, with support from both Aberdeen Football Club and Aberdeen City Council, have been working exceptionally hard, examining their particular area of expertise.
"They have looked at the strengths and the challenges of each of the sites and have assessed that Loirston is the most deliverable across the board, in terms of capital costs, enabling opportunities, timescales, risk mitigation and economic impact.
"As well as having a new home for Aberdeen Football Club, we should consider the economic and social benefits to the north-east.
"Research has proved that a new stadium would not just enhance the local economy but would provide an overall qualitative impact to an area and we feel strongly that this would be the case in Aberdeen.
"It has long been acknowledged that Aberdeen needs and deserves an iconic stadium and the Loirston site would be a natural gateway to the city. This report marks an exciting new stage in the bid to provide the local community with this facility.
"We would like to praise the consultants for their diligence and hard work and also thank all the local businesses and representatives who were interviewed as part of overall process."
The report will go out to consultation and will be referred to the council's policy and strategy committee on April 28.
