ABERDEEN Football Club has lodged detailed plans of its proposed £40 million stadium on the outskirts of the city.

The 20,000-seater facility would include a retail store, heritage museum and cafe in the building, as well as three outdoor grass pitches.

The plans, which have been lodged with the city council, also reveal the club wants to build two floodlit pitches for the community and a memorial garden.

Architects Halliday Fraser Munro said: “The brief from the club was to provide a 21st-century stadium that provides an enhanced match-day experience.

“This will support the ambitions of the club and its supporters, further the significant work done in the community by Aberdeen FC Community Trust and provide wider economic and social benefits to the city and region.

“In developing the plans we have listened to the supporters and other stakeholders and looked at best-in class facilities in stadia across the UK and Europe.

“The single tier, fully enclosed stadium will dramatically improve atmosphere, while minimising visual impact on the surrounding areas.”

The application states that the facility would offer a “much more comfortable” and accessible stadium for all supporters encouraging a greater family attendance.

One stand will accommodate the football and hospitality departments and the remaining three stands will contain open concourse areas for fans.

The height of the stands has been reduced with the internal seating layout changed following feedback.