New images show work on Dons training facilities at Kingsford stadium

Dale Haslamin Football

The new home of Aberdeen FC is taking shape - and the Evening Express has been given a sneak peek one year after work began.

Project director Raymond Edgar on the hybrid training pitch with undersoil heating at Kingsford

It was 12 months ago that Dons boss Derek McInnes and chairman Stewart Milne broke the ground at the Kingsford site - and much has happened since.

When the £50 million project is complete on the land alongside the A944 there will be a 20,000-seater stadium and training ground complex with community facilities.

Phase one of the project includes the construction of a training pavilion, groundsman's accommodation and three professional training pitches - one grass and one hybrid - all which will be used by the team.

It also includes two 3G pitches and two grass pitches - the latter mainly used by Aberdeen Football Club's Community Trust.

Phase two includes the stadium and its infrastructure. That work cannot begin until planning obstacles, such as building a footbridge over the A944, have been overcome.

One of the newest features of the site is the hybrid pitch, which combines the best features of a grass surface with the durability of a 3G pitch.

The pitch has now been drawn out and floodlights installed.

Project manager Raymond Edgar said he was pleased with how things are progressing

He added: "The grass seed has germinated and will be regularly treated with liquid fertilizer over the next three to four weeks.

"The pitch will then be 'stitched' in mid-August with artificial nylon grass fibres. It should be ready by the end of September."

Work is also ongoing to lay two 3G pitches.

Mr Edgar said: "The ground is being levelled and prepared for the carpets being laid in September. Perimeter fencing will be erected before then.

"Fibre sand is being used as a base for sowing grass seed in the hybrid pitch and two grass pitches - all three of these pitches will be used by the professional team."


You can read the full article from the Evening Express HERE

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