Aberdeen FC: Council decision 'kills off' new stadium development

Image: AFC's proposed new Loirston Loch stadium

Aberdeen Football Club (AFC) has criticised local councillors for voting against proceeding with the Calder Park sports complex, a move that it says has "killed off" plans for a new stadium at Loirston Loch.

Members of Aberdeen City Council (ACC) voted 24-19 in favour of a package of measures, which include the local authority including taking control of public land previously leased to Cove Rangers Football Club (CRFC) at the site.

The council will also enter into new talks with CRFC over the relocation of the Highland League club. However, AFC chair Stewart Milne said the Calder Park plans were crucial to its hopes to build a new stadium.

Milne said: "The Calder Park development has been designed as part of the master planning exercise to be completely integral with the new AFC stadium at Loirston and this decision has effectively also killed off that development.

"What makes the turn of events even more galling is that the potential alternative use of Calder Park has already been confirmed as a non-starter by both the Scottish Football Association and sportscotland."

Plans for the Calder Park scheme – including a 1,500-capacity stadium for Cove Rangers and a community facility – received council approval earlier this year, while AFC’s new stadium received government approval in March 2011.

The Miller Partnership designed the 21,000-capacity stadium, which had been due for completion ahead of the 2013-14 season.

Click here for AFC chair Stewart Milne's reaction to the decision and click here for more information about ACC’s proposals.