A leading Aberdeen councillor has cast significant doubt over the long-discussed plans for a new Aberdeen FC stadium at the city’s beachfront, warning that the project “might never happen” and describing the vision as “only an idea”.
The proposed stadium, a centrepiece of the city’s wider beach masterplan, has been the subject of years of debate and negotiation between Aberdeen City Council and the football club. While visuals and proposals have been published, the project has repeatedly stalled amid disagreements over funding and priorities.
Councillor Martin Greig, a Liberal Democrat and member of the SNP-Lib Dem administration, addressed the issue during recent council discussions. Greig expressed his surprise at the weight being placed on the stadium as a key element of the beach regeneration, stating he was “somewhat puzzled” by Labour councillors “putting so much weight on one element of a very wide and strategic proposal and vision for the beachfront”.
He further downplayed the likelihood of the stadium materialising, reportedly saying the beach vision was “only an idea” and cautioning that the new Dons stadium “might never happen”.
The comments come at a time when the future of the stadium—and the broader beach masterplan—remains uncertain. The council has paused on phase two of the beach masterplan, and Aberdeen FC has begun investing in upgrades to their current home at Pittodrie, with Chief Executive Alan Burrows stating the club is likely to remain there “for a number of years”.
This latest downplaying of a new stadium is despite the Dons incredible Scottish Cup Final victory for the city on Saturday for the first time in 35 years, and the weekend’s resultant celebrations giving the club some nationwide publicity.
In Case You Missed it:
Political leaders remain divided on the issue, with Conservative group leader Richard Brooks has called for the council to reprioritise spending to fund a feasibility study for the stadium, describing the cost as a “drop in the ocean” compared to other beach projects. However, the administration maintains that taxpayer money should not fund the stadium except where “collaborative working is mutually beneficial”.
.With talks ongoing but no firm commitments, Greig’s remarks highlight the continued uncertainty over whether Aberdeen’s long-awaited beach stadium will ever become a reality.
Meanwhile, efforts on the Aberdeen beach project are already in progress, with a large new playground beginning to take form and enhancements at the Broadhill expected to be completed by July.
