THE build of a new multi-sports community stadium at Aberdeen beachfront would inject ‘at least’ £1.6 billion into the local economy and support around 618 construction jobs, according to a new independent review.
Commissioned by Aberdeen Football Club, the review by BIGGAR Economics comes as the club looks to secure the ‘political will and ambition’ to get the proposed project back on track.
The build would provide a £42 million boost in economic activity throughout construction, as well as supporting 618 local jobs, the report states. Once operational, the stadium would generate an additional £32 million into the local economy each year – creating and safeguarding 1,170 jobs, it adds.
Meanwhile, the study found that the stadium would double Aberdeen FC’s annual impact on the local economy from the current £32 million to £64 million across the Aberdeen city region.
A new modern stadium is also tipped to increase visitor numbers to the city. Pittodrie currently generates around 400,000 visits to Aberdeen each year, with the new venue tipped to bring an additional 110,000 visitors per year.
Andrea Carlo Magnaghi, of BiGGAR Economics, said, “This report shows how a new community stadium at Aberdeen’s beachfront could be the catalyst for best-in-class sports and leisure facilities, new events and economic impact for the whole city region. Our analysis reveals it will create new jobs and generate additional income into the economy through new construction activity, increasing footfall, retaining and increasing local spend in the city, encouraging the growth of existing businesses and the creation of new ones and attracting new visitors.”
Aberdeen FC chairman, Dave Cormack, added, “The opportunity exists to lean into the Club’s unique reach, influence and ability to catalyse delivery of community sports and leisure activities that can rival anything other cities can offer and more.
“Aberdeen thrives when communities and partners collaborate to shape an ambitious vision for the city’s future. While public finances are under considerable pressure, it is essential that we invest in capital projects that secure long-term prosperity by generating significant returns and, importantly, encourage businesses and individuals to continue choosing Aberdeen as a place to invest, live, work, and play.
“We can’t just make incremental improvements, which come with major annual maintenance costs, and hope to be able to compete with other cities in terms of projects that transform economies and communities and excite and attract citizens and visitors alike.
“This is not just about a new stadium for Aberdeen FC – it’s about what’s best for our city and our citizens. The Club can, and wants to, play a major role. But it’s not for us to lead on it, nor can we drive it forward alone. We would urge our city leaders to share this ambition and deliver the right environment in which economic growth and communities can flourish.
“Realising this opportunity is in the hands of our Council leaders – only they have the mandate and the ability to secure public, capital investment to drive such a transformational project. And with this study showing the project would deliver at least £1.6 billion of economic uplift over the next few decades, the economic case for a return on investment is utterly compelling.”
