Planning proposals submitted this week for a scheme at Cloverhill offer a new lease of life for a small community football club, Bridge of Don Junior Thistle FC.
The Cloverhill development, which will provide 550 new homes, is being delivered by Cognito Oak LLP, a partnership between HBD and Wraith Real Estate. The submission of planning proposals follows the completion of a successful public consultation earlier this year.
550 new homes will be built on land to the east of the A92 Ellon Road, supported by extensive community infrastructure, including an all-weather, full sized football pitch which will act as a home ground for Bridge of Don Junior Thistle FC, although it will also be open to the public for use.
Barry Park, President of Bridge of Don Junior Thistle FC, said: “The proposed development at Cloverhill will bring much-needed additional housing to an area in which first time buyers and people who have grown up here are being forced to move elsewhere. Over the past few years, we’ve seen people associated with the Club having to move to the other end of the city due to the shortage of affordable housing.
“The all-weather sports facilities included in the plans will provide a much-needed facility for the Bridge of Don, which has been lacking for numerous years. The proposals offer the chance to transform Bridge of Don Junior Thistle FC into a community club fit for the future, providing football to all ages and sexes. The proposed facilities would not only allow the club to grow, but will also allow us to give back to the community.”
Along with new homes – 145 of which will be affordable – and sports facilities, local residents will also benefit from new shops, and both community and charity facilities. Approximately 2,500 people are currently on Council waiting lists for homes in the Bridge of Don area.
Sustainability has also played an important part in the thinking behind the scheme, with plans to include a hydrogen energy initiative for some of the homes, supporting the aspirations of the Energetica Corridor.
A new signalised junction with pedestrian crossings and a reduced speed limit is also planned to improve connectivity and enhance road safety.
Nigel Munro of HBD said: “Our proposed development offers an opportunity to help address the shortfall of housing delivery in the Aberdeen area, which has failed in recent years to keep pace with the required numbers. Following the consultation events earlier this year, we have listened to the feedback provided and we have worked hard to put together a development that not only provides new homes, but also the infrastructure – parks, community space, shops and sports facilities – to build a thriving community.
“It’s great to see the development take this next step forward – it’s a scheme that will be hugely positive for the local area, not only providing much needed new homes, but creating a great place to live and making a positive contribution toward the wider Bridge of Don area.”