Plans for Aberdeen sports facility halted after backlash over football pitch loss

Plans to build a new sports facility in Aberdeen have been put on hold following community backlash over the potential loss of a youth football pitch.

More than 1,100 people signed a petition opposing proposals to construct the city’s fourth Cruyff Court on playing fields at Kincorth Circle.

The site currently hosts several football pitches used by local teams.

The development would provide a small-scale, all-weather football and basketball facility with 24-hour access.

However, Kincorth Football Club and Kincorth Emirates argued the plan would remove a key pitch used by hundreds of children since 1984.

Aberdeen City Council has now delayed a decision until May while officers review alternative options. One suggestion is relocating the project to a disused bowling green beside Kincorth Sports Centre.

Conservative group leader Richard Brooks welcomed the move, saying: “After numerous discussions involving the community and myself, I am pleased the council has finally acknowledged its mistake and is rethinking these plans.

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise that the football pitch at Kincorth Circle is the wrong location for developing a Cruyff Court on.

“For decades this area has been pivotal in the development of juvenile and amateur football in the heart of the Kincorth community.

“This pitch provides a safe, positive environment for children to develop and stay active through sport, which is why it must not be compromised in any way.

“Yet again, this SNP administration was intent on ignoring the views of the public, like we have seen on so many other issues across the city.

“When these plans return to committee in May, I fully expect that the disused bowling green is the new location recommended for the Cruyff Court to be built on.”

North East MSP Liam Kerr, of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, added: “This U-turn from the council is very much welcome, but it should never have got to this stage in the first place.

“Opting to recommend Kincorth Circle knowing it would result in the loss of a full-sized football pitch speaks volumes for the contempt this SNP council continues to show towards our communities.

“Kincorth residents deserve a huge amount of praise for rallying together and making their voices heard, alongside Aberdeen Conservative leader Richard Brooks.

“I now hope council officers use this time to show some common sense by earmarking the new Cruyff Court in a more suitable location elsewhere.”