The economic benefit of Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen's planned new stadium has been "grossly overstated," objectors who commissioned a new review said, according to Ken Banks of the BBC. A report from an economic consultancy found "the harm could outweigh the benefits." The club put plans for the £50M ($66.8M) stadium and training facilities at Kingsford, near Westhill, on hold in October. A "fresh public consultation" was launched ahead of another hearing. The No Kingsford Stadium protest asked Stirling-based MKA Economics to look at documents related to the proposed relocation of the stadium presented by the club. Last month, a report by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce said that the economic benefit of Aberdeen's planned new stadium "could be greater than originally predicted." The club said that the analysis showed the plans would create "more than 440 construction jobs" and the stadium, sport and training facilities would bring "millions of pounds into the economy." However, NKS said that the new review "highlighted a potential risk to the economy as a result of construction and congestion caused by the stadium." NKS Dir Clare Davidson said, "The economic case presented by AFC is flawed and the economic benefit is grossly overstated." The group wants the club to "look elsewhere" (BBC, 12/13).
