Aberdeen Football Club have announced that local companies will be awarded contracts for the construction of the new £50m stadium.

The new Kingsford stadium, which will have a community sports hub, training facilities and stadium, is expected to create around 150 jobs initially.

Following the controversial approval of the plans, the club will issue tenders for the first phase of construction.

The total value of phase one is over £10m and the first series of contracts is expected to be awarded in May, with construction beginning on site in June.

Phase one will include the construction of the training pavilion, groundsman's accommodation, three professional training pitches, two 3G pitches and a full size and half size grass pitch.

Project director Raymond Edgar said: "These contract awards signal the beginning of a new era.

"After 18 years in the planning, we are finally able to start work on our vision for the club, the community and the wider region.

"Some of the significant economic benefits promised will be realised immediately through these contracts, which will be awarded to local companies, wherever possible."

Local community councils and organisations will be contacted again to give them a chance to be involved in shaping the facilities and to allow them to voice issues throughout the construction.

"We've been very clear about wanting to be a good neighbour and that starts with establishing regular and constructive dialogue with local residents," he said.

"It is our aim to create a top-class sporting facility that can be enjoyed by as many people as possible, bringing significant socio-economic benefits to the local communities and the wider region."