New stadium thread

[manc_don]

Kingswells Community Council is maintaining a neutral stance about the stadium and associated facilities until we see more detail in the plans.

 

In the meantime here are KCC’s concerns:

 

AFC must be able to prove that there will be real local benefits to the people of Kingswells, many of whom will not have much interest in football.

 

We are concerned that the public consultation events were carried out during the summer holiday period when fewer people would have been around. Also, there was little information to be consulted about, other than an outline proposal.

 

All of the Kingsford site is designated in the draft 2016 Aberdeen Local Development Plan as Greenbelt (NE2). This is the plan that went to the Scottish Government Reporter after extensive public consultation. This designation would need to be overturned.

 

It has generally been an accepted planning principle that the coalescence of communities should be avoided in order to preserve their individual identities. Drum Group already has planning permission to extend its developments at Prime Four along the A944 towards the AWPR. We are very concerned that AFC’s plans will contribute further to the coalescence of Westhill and Kingswells. Floodlit pitches, especially 3G pitches, are not the same as green space.

 

Traffic congestion on the A944 and surrounding roads on match/event days is a real concern for us. This is likely to be especially problematic during mid-week fixtures. How will AFC finance the road improvements that are going to be necessary ?

 

Most fans will arrive/depart via the Kingswells South Junction of the AWPR. The AWPR was specially designed to keep traffic moving and minimise delays. The junction and its roundabout were not designed to take the traffic flows that will be experienced on match/event days and this will lead to tailbacks on the AWPR and A944. AFC will need to finance improvements to the roads network to negate these effects.

 

Public safety and security concerns us and we will need firm assurance that effective policing will be in place to deal with any anti-social behaviour in and around Kingswells and Westhill. Unlike the city centre and the area around Pittodrie, Kingswells and Westhill have no CCTV to help the Police monitor crowd behaviour. Areas of special concern include the Kingswells park-and-ride and the shopping area at Westhill. How will these concerns be addressed and how will AFC pay for the additional security infrastructure required ?

 

Kingswells is still a semi-rural area and people here enjoy the peace and quiet. The nearest area of housing in Kingswells is just over a mile from the stadium and the majority of the time Kingswells will be down-wind from Kingsford. How will noise from the stadium and the other facilities be minimised ? At the detailed planning stage, only the highest possible environmental standards of noise control will be acceptable.

 

Being semi-rural, Kingswells still benefits from having fairly dark skies at night. How will AFC deal with light pollution from the stadium and other facilities ? At the detailed planning stage, only the highest possible environmental standards for minimising light pollution would be acceptable.

 

Parking will be a key issue. The on-site parking provision of 1300 car spaces is likely to be totally insufficient. Plans to turn away cars with fewer than 3 passengers are likely to result is cars being parked randomly in local streets. Provision for coach parking on-site also looks to be too limited. So where will the overspill parking of cars and coaches be accommodated ? The Kingswells park-and ride could be used for a coach shuttle service to and from the stadium. However, the space available there has limitations, particularly for coaches. Under no circumstances should the park-and-ride car park become so congested that normal travellers (for whom it was constructed) are disadvantaged. Fans parking their cars randomly in streets or in public areas like shopping centres in Kingswells or Westhill would be unacceptable.

 

Some fans may choose to walk to/from the stadium along the pavement beside the busy A944. The pavement is actually a designated core path that also takes cyclists. The walk from the Kingswells park-and-ride to the stadium is over 1.5 miles and will probably take about 30 minutes. This route is potentially dangerous for fans because of the narrowness of the pavement in places. Traffic will be passing them at 40+ mph. If the pavement/cycleway is crowded with fans, normal users will be unable to use it. The only safe alternative is for all fans using the park-and-ride to be shuttled to/from the stadium by coach. It is unclear whether the current roads setup around the park-and-ride will be able to cope with this.

 

If the park-and-ride is used by fans then improvements will be necessary to ensure that ‘rapid exit’ is possible. If this doesn’t happen, then local streets will be used for parking instead of the park-and-ride. This practice would be unacceptable.

 

Closing the A944 to allow ‘rapid exit’ from the stadium would also be unacceptable as the A944 is the only access road for Kingswells and Westhill residents travelling west/east.

 

We are proud of our community and do our best to ensure that it is kept clean and tidy. A large amount of litter could be dropped in the park-and-ride and possibly along the A944. This will have to be cleaned up immediately after matches to prevent it blowing into the surrounding green areas. AFC will have to take responsibility for cleaning up litter immediately after matches/events.

 

http://www.kwells.org/kingswells-community-council-response-afc-consultation/

[RicoS321]

There's nothing particularly controversial in those questions. Some such as light and noise pollution are easily mitigated (or soft issues), but the parking and transport is a fucking ridiculous situation. It isn't workable.

[tom_widdows]

The parking situation baffles me and not just for the stadium. I really don't understand what Aberdeen (the city) is trying to achieve

 

It takes me back to Uni days when we discovered RGU's campus down at Garthdee only obtained planning permission by keeping parking to the absolute bare minimum. The council then brought in permit/ voucher parking all around the campus and made it extremely difficult to buy the vouchers.

 

The city is a transport nightmare and yet rather that trying to rectify it with logical thought the plan always seems to be 'it we don't provide parking then people will simply walk/ take the bus' forgetting that thanks to the gridlocked streets the bus service breaks down and humans are lazy.

 

Could have left it at Cove and forked out an additional 3million to re-open the old Cove Railway station but noooo.

Even doing that would have resolved everything but would have at least provided an alternative transport and perhaps even taken some rush-hour cars off the streets by providing a regular service into and out of the city centre.

[manc_don]

Aberdeen Football Club chairman Stewart Milne hopes to have a new stadium built in time for the 2020 season.

 

In an open letter to AFC supporters he states the Dons will aim to have the football academy built in time for the 2018 season and the stadium at Kingsford developed two years later.

 

Labelled as “one of the most exciting projects in our club’s history” he has thanked people who attended the public consultations and gave their views on the plans for the outskirts of Westhill.

 

Stewart Milne said: “The first part of the consultation process concluded on 26th of August. The next step will be to come back to our fans and the wider community with the detail of our plans.

 

“Following this, we expect to be in a position to have a detailed planning application submitted before the end of 2016.

 

“It will take the planners, statutory consultees and other stakeholders some further time to assess and consider the various aspects of the proposed development.

 

“If our application is approved, we would aim to have the football academy in place for the 2018 season, and the stadium built for the 2020 season.”

[Tyrant]

I remember reading something similar years and years ago that said "Stewart Milne is aiming to have the new stadium built in time for the 2013/14 season.

[manc_don]

I remember reading something similar years and years ago that said "Stewart Milne is aiming to have the new stadium built in time for the 2013/14 season.

 

In fairness to him, i don't think we ever got this far with previous proposals??? But I agree with your scepticism. Until I see foundations being dug and concrete poured I'll believe nothing.

[RicoS321]

In fairness to him, i don't think we ever got this far with previous proposals??? But I agree with your scepticism. Until I see foundations being dug and concrete poured I'll believe nothing.

 

Loirston was further. It was agreed subject to purchase of a piece of land. There was also Bellfield, which I think went to planning too. Not to mention Balgownie for the training complex. At least if a random hitch occurs after planning, the land will be opened up for a housing development.

 

I do actually believe that this project will at least start though. I also believe that the fundamental issues of parking will not be addressed and the novelty of the walk, or shuttling, from the park and ride will wear off pretty quickly. I'm thinking that self-driving cars may save the day though. Genuinely.

[manc_don]

The mayor added: “Both clubs are crucially important to the city. As in London and Manchester they bring an economic development in terms of jobs, visitors and tourism. Everton, in terms of the partnership we’ve got, is as strong as ever. I am really positive we will be able to announce in a couple of months what we are doing with the club. I am confident there will be something for Evertonians – a new stadium as good as this.”

 

The above is from Liverpools mayor. Such refreshing words where a council recognises the importance of football in a city. Shame the same can't be said for Aberdeen.

[tom_widdows]

Dont think u can really compare the two cities in terms of football fanatacism

 

[manc_don]

Dont think u can really compare the two cities in terms of football fanatacism

 

I know, but you get my point. The city have clearly got a long history with both clubs and sees their benefits. It's really that simple.

[tom_widdows]

I only lived in the city for about 6 years but I got the impression the football club was seen as more of an inconvenience. I seem to recall Leeds united having a similar issue with their local council

 

My theory is since Aberdeen is a fairly rich city the ties to 'the working mans game' and possibly any sport will never be as strong. Liverpool on the other hand hand being historically a 'working city' (No laughing at the back) with the shipyard etc (much like Newcastle, Sunderland, Glasgow, Sheffield, Manchester) and Football was and possibly still is an escape for the masses and each city recognises the impact a decline in their teams fortunes can have on the population. Aberdeen's success or decline doesn't seem to bother anyone in charge of the city.....but then again the rumours of corruption in ACC beggar belief.

 

The other issue is the Scotland wide problem of the Old Firm Glory hunting magnet. Too many folk born and bred in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth will support one of them with the reason being 'oh its a family thing'. Thank fuck my family didn't have the same 'rule' other wise Id be stuck with Plymouth Argyle.

[tom_widdows]

http://www.brickstand.co.uk/product/pittodrie

 

 

[Chris Frae Killie]

 

The other issue is the Scotland wide problem of the Old Firm Glory hunting magnet. Too many folk born and bred in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth will support one of them with the reason being 'oh its a family thing'. Thank fuck my family didn't have the same 'rule' other wise Id be stuck with Plymouth Argyle.

 

I am the opposite - I grew up in Glasgow but supported Aberdeen as it was 'a family thing'!!

[Edinburghdon]

 

Nothing groundbreaking but the club are holding an exhibition at Pittodrie soon on the new stadium.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-37974730

 

A new exhibition about Aberdeen FC's proposals for a new stadium on the outskirts of the city is to be held.

The stadium and training facilities would be built at Kingsford, close to the Aberdeen bypass, near Westhill.

The Yes to Kingsford Stadium group believes it would be a vital step forward, but there has been opposition.

The exhibition will be held at Pittodrie on Thursday 24 November from 15:00 to 21:00, at the AAM Suite in the Richard Donald Stand.

It will also provide feedback on the public consultation events staged in Aberdeen, Kingswells and Westhill in July and August.

 

[manc_don]

Hibs and Hearts' new indoor training facilities at Riccarton are pretty impressive and by architects I have a lot of time for.  I'm hoping whatever facilities we are providing equally as inspiring.

 

[Edinburghdon]

http://www.afc.co.uk/news/8808.php#.WDWaxrKDzcs

 

Dons Development Details

23 November 2016 13:30By Aberdeen FC Media Team

No ALT tag specified

 

 

 

Aberdeen Football Club has released more details of its plans to create a focal point for community engagement and footballing excellence on land at Kingsford.

 

Earlier this year, the Club revealed proposals to develop a new community and sports campus, football academy and stadium on the site. It has now provided further details of its plans following extensive consultation with stakeholders and as it prepares to lodge a detailed planning application for the scheme.

 

Creating a 21st century stadium, modern training facilities for its first team and youth academy, and dedicated facilities for AFC Community Trust are vital for the Club to achieve a sustainable future and to maximise its contribution to the city and region on and off the pitch.

 

The Club's plans for its 25 hectare Kingsford site include three professional training pitches; two community 3G pitches; community pavilion to include changing facilities, offices, a gymnasium and multi-purpose space with a potential community learning zone; new stadium with up to 20,000-seat capacity; a fan-zone, AFC store; Red café; AFC Heritage Museum and Memorial Garden; and circa 1,600 car parking spaces, bus parking and drop off areas.

 

 

 

The Kingsford development will deliver essential, modern training facilities, community facilities and a stadium that provides an enhanced match-day and non match-day experience. These will support the ambitions of the Club and its fans, further the award-winning work done in the local community by AFC Community Trust and provide wider economic and social benefits to the city and region.

 

In developing its plans the Club has listened to its fans and other stakeholders and looked at best in class facilities in stadia across the UK and Europe.

 

The single tier, fully enclosed stadium will dramatically improve atmosphere, while minimising visual impact on the surrounding area. Much more comfortable and accessible, the stadium and its concourse areas, and the wider site facilities will offer a much better match-day experience for everyone, from young to old - encouraging greater family attendance and providing a beacon for the fans of the future.

 

More significantly for the profile of the region, Kingsford will be the largest new-build stadium in Scotland in 100 years.

 

George Yule, Executive Vice Chairman of AFC, said: "What makes our Club so enduring is the fact that we play such an important role in our community. The glories of our past and solid footing of our present cannot sustain the Club in the future and that is why we embarked on a new journey some four years ago - a journey that will take us to long-term success and sustainability, on and off the pitch.

 

"Having achieved our initial milestones, the Club is now in the best shape it has been for many years. We are demonstrating significant strength on and off the pitch with our first team, our youth development programme, our robust financial position and our fantastic work in the community.

 

"Our vision for the future is one which can be shared among our fans, the team and backroom staff, our partners and sponsors and among the wider community in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Realising our plans for Kingsford is the critical step in our exciting journey to achieve UEFA top 100 status with a highly successful squad, a wider than ever reach into the community, world-class training facilities and a modern stadium, all within a prosperous and healthy region.

 

"It is also a significant investment and a signal of confidence in the city and region at a time when the public and private sectors are working to address major economic challenges. Our vision can therefore be summed up as achieving the feel-good factor for all by ensuring that the Club's impact is the best it can be on the pitch, in economic terms and in the community," said Mr Yule.

 

Mr Yule added: "For the first time, we will be able to bring together our off the pitch and on the pitch operations, including our training facilities, allowing us to deliver a real step-change in experience for our players and our fans, as well as for the wider community. This will also support a step-change for the Club in terms of operational and business performance.

 

"In essence, we will be providing a stadium that supports our ambition and meets the expectations of our fans alongside out-standing community sports facilities; an educational, training, social, and recreational resource; and an employment and community hub. Kingsford will be a focal point for community engagement and footballing excellence for the north of Scotland and an inspiration for future generations of local youngsters."

 

The Club is staging a public exhibition of its up to date proposals at Pittodrie from 3pm to 9pm on Thursday 24 November in the AAM Suite in the Richard Donald Stand.

 

Further content which can be viewed at the exhibition will also be made available online following the event.

[manc_don]

Architecturally disappointing, but given the length of time it's taken us to get this far, I couldn't care less.  We need a new stadium and the facilities appear to be good.  I'd be interested to see if they actually deliver the full 20K capacity on day one given we very rarely achieve near that figure.

 

 

 

The roof and structure of it is what I like the least, but hey ho.  Acoustically that profile won't work the best it could do.

[RicoS321]

It's like a big St Mirren. We don't need a new stadium. There is no evidence to back that up that has been made available. I'll keep stating that until someone shows me otherwise.

 

Intrigued to hear the goal of UEFA top 100. What does that mean? 100 best teams? Or something that takes into account stadium and training facilities (and number of corporate seats for UEFA delegates)?

 

Also, the offices. Is that for the club I assume, not for let?

 

They seem to be making a decent fist of it this time anyway, although that was also the case with Loirston. I see no issues with planning, I reckon it'll sail through.... and then be converted to hooses when naebody buys Pittodrie.

 

 

[Edinburghdon]

Architecturally disappointing, but given the length of time it's taken us to get this far, I couldn't care less.  We need a new stadium and the facilities appear to be good.  I'd be interested to see if they actually deliver the full 20K capacity on day one given we very rarely achieve near that figure.

 

 

 

The roof and structure of it is what I like the least, but hey ho.  Acoustically that profile won't work the best it could do.

 

If only we had someone who was good with crayons that could do the design for them.  Manc

 

I'm guessing fancy designs will end up costing more... provided it's functional and suits us long term I can live with it being a bit bland, we were never going to get a thing of beauty.

[tom_widdows]

Given the accuracy of some 3D visualisations currently floating about (used to be a specialist craft but now any primate with google sketch up is setting up their own little business) I'm holding judgement till I see the technical drawings.

 

Personally how it looks on the outside doesn't bother me so long as it actually works as a building.

If the circulation ends up anything like that of Celtic Park the designers have to be shot on sight.

 

'Form Follows Function' after all. Isnt that right Manc? 

[donsdaft]

That looks shite.

 

Crowd are close enough to the pitch so it could be worse.

 

Let's just bide at Pittodrie

 

 

 

 

I hope that wee corner bitty is the away section

[manc_don]

Given the accuracy of some 3D visualisations currently floating about (used to be a specialist craft but now any primate with google sketch up is setting up their own little business) I'm holding judgement till I see the technical drawings.

 

Personally how it looks on the outside doesn't bother me so long as it actually works as a building.

If the circulation ends up anything like that of Celtic Park the designers have to be shot on sight.

 

'Form Follows Function' after all. Isnt that right Manc? 

 

Aye, right enough, but "God is in the details" and "less is more".  As Ed says, they've obviously got to work within a tight budget but the roof is simplistic (not in a good way) at best. Functionality of the building is of course imperative in a stadium but I'd like it to avoid the look of the lego building...a.k.a new St. Mirren Park or whatever it's called.

 

I'm guessing the Uefa 100 must be in relation to the coefficient. Given we are at 202 at the moment, we have some way to go!

[Edinburghdon]

Aye, right enough, but "God is in the details" and "less is more".  As Ed says, they've obviously got to work within a tight budget but the roof is simplistic (not in a good way) at best. Functionality of the building is of course imperative in a stadium but I'd like it to avoid the look of the lego building...a.k.a new St. Mirren Park or whatever it's called.

 

I'm guessing the Uefa 100 must be in relation to the coefficient. Given we are at 202 at the moment, we have some way to go!

 

Is the roof being simplistic in the images a real concern? Surely they're just pictorial aren't they? Fingers crossed the exhibition tomorrow shows some detailed plans which give everyone a better idea what it'll look like.

[manc_don]

Is the roof being simplistic in the images a real concern? Surely they're just pictorial aren't they? Fingers crossed the exhibition tomorrow shows some detailed plans which give everyone a better idea what it'll look like.

 

Nah, I guess it's just basic, standard steel sections, prefer it when they're integrated into the roof build up, cleaner lines etc....it's going to look like a mecanno set. Anyway, will hold my full critique for now 

[Edinburghdon]

Nah, I guess it's just basic, standard steel sections, prefer it when they're integrated into the roof build up, cleaner lines etc....it's going to look like a mecanno set. Anyway, will hold my full critique for now 

 

 

Good call, basing your negativity on guesswork