Aberdeen have been given the go-ahead to build a new stadium after a judge ruled in favour of Rangers’ North Eastern rivals.
The new £50m, 20,000 seater ground is to be built in Kingsford, Aberdeen. It will replace Aberdeen’s current home stadium Pittodrie. The No Kingsford Stadium protest group had raised a judicial review against the stadium. They claim the site is an incursion into green belt land and that other sites are also available.
But Lord Tyre refused the petition and the Kingsford Stadium development now looks set to be given the go ahead.
The judge ruled: “In my opinion the petitioner has not identified an error of law in the approach of the council that would entitle this court to interfere with its decision to grant planning permission for the proposed development.”
Aberdeen want stadium which also matches community “aspirations”
Aberdeen FC chairman Stewart Milne, as quoted by BBC Scotland, said: “The outcome of the judicial review is welcome news for the club, the council and the wider region.
“Following today’s decision, we will reach out to the whole community, even those who have objected to the plans, so that we can work positively with them to deliver a community sports hub that meets their aspirations.”
The current Pittodrie stadium has 22,000 seats. Aberdeen clearly believe this modern stadium option will benefit the club on and off the field. But do they need it or will it prove a costly mistake?
Transfermarkt report the club have had an average attendance of just over 15k this season. They have also finally been overtaken by Rangers this year. The Ibrox side have laboured to 3rd behind Aberdeen in 2nd since rejoining the top league. Rangers are now eight points clear of them in 2nd.
Rangers travel to Pittodrie this Sunday in a crunch Scottish Cup Quarter Final. Expect it to be full to capacity for that one. Even if Aberdeen turned down Rangers request for more briefs for the game.
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