Ambitious plans for a multi-million pound national sporting centre in the North-east of Scotland have taken a major step forward today (Thursday, March 16).
Aberdeen City Council’s Planning Committee passed outline plans to build a £23million complex - Aberdeen Regional Sports Facility - which propose the creation of a world-class sporting centre on the site of the Chris Anderson Stadium.
The group behind the bid includes the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council, and sportscotland who are working in partnership. The University and City Council are each contributing £8million towards the first phase of this ambitious project. The partners are working with sportscotland to secure an additional £7million funding.
The new community sports development will provide a full-size indoor football pitch as well as facilities for athletics and hockey. In addition, there will be a multi-sport games hall, squash courts, and fitness suites.
Professor Stephen Logan, Senior Vice-Principal, University of Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted with today’s decision and we look forward to developing the next stage of the scheme with our partners.
“The Aberdeen Regional Sports Facility is being developed to encourage students, communities and clubs within Aberdeen and the wider North-east to improve their levels of fitness and health. People of all ages and abilities in communities across northern Scotland and, in particular, the neighbouring community, are set to benefit from the new facility.”
Councillor Neil Fletcher said: “We are committed to providing the people of Aberdeen with a first-class sports facility and, by adopting a joint approach, we will strengthen the local economy by attracting major national sporting events to the area.
“We also want to highlight the benefits for everyone of every age and ability in the local community who will have the ideal chance to become fit and healthy. This new facility is aimed at encouraging the local community, regardless of their level of fitness, to become involved in sport, recreation and physical activity.”
The development will also act as a focus for the North of Scotland’s elite athletes and sports stars of the future who will achieve their full potential and compete at the highest level, helped by the only national facilities north of central Scotland. Students and staff of the University of Aberdeen will also enjoy use of the new facilities.
Councillor Fletcher added: “This facility is a truly exciting development for Aberdeen and one that could even allow the city to play a full role in the 2012 Olympics and future Commonwealth Games.”
Statistics show that 43% of our local population currently take no regular exercise, and whose health would benefit by becoming more active in a way they enjoy.
It is anticipated that an application for full planning permission will be submitted to Aberdeen City Council in the autumn.