Barr Construction has been selected as the preferred contractor for the delivery of Aberdeen Football Club's (AFC) new 21,000-capacity stadium on land near Loirston Loch.

Earlier this year, the development was given the green light by the Scottish Government after Aberdeen City Council approved The Miller Partnership-designed proposals. Due for completion ahead of the 2013-14 season, it is anticipated that Barr Construction will start work on the 39.5-acre (16-hectare) development early next year and will now work with the local authority to ensure the scheme can proceed.

The stadium will include hospitality suites; player, supporter and media facilities; a museum exploring the history of AFC; and offices. It will replace the club's current Pittodrie venue. Barr Construction managing director Barclay Chalmers said: "There is a real sense of anticipation around the new Aberdeen FC stadium and we are very proud to be playing our part.

"Our in-house team will be working to finalise the design for the new stadium and we look forward to working with Aberdeen FC and Aberdeen City Council to create an iconic facility."