It was reported last week that Liverpool Football Club had submitted a proposal to the city’s council to expand Anfield’s capacity.
The redevelopment – which is only phase one of the project – would focus on the Main Stand and would add an additional 8,500 seats, taking its capacity to nearly 21,000 and the overall capacity of the stadium to 54,000.
Today it has been announced that the club have won permission and can now start ‘phase one’ the redevelopment of their home ground.
Construction on the Main Stand is expected to begin early next year and be completed in time for the 2016-17 season. Liverpool will not have to relocate during the redevelopment process; the club will continuing playing matches at Anfield throughout the duration of construction.
Outline proposals for ‘phase two’ of the project would see the Anfield Road Stand increase its capacity by nearly 4,800 seats.
Liverpool are cautiously optimistic of the approval of ‘phase one’ from the city’s council. There is still a possibility for residents and businesses to oppose the redevelopment, and for a legal challenge to any decision – which would further delay construction.
Liverpool’s stadium plans have been plagued with problems ever since the club announced plans for an upgrade of the grounds in 2001.
Former chairman David Moores secured planning permission to move to Stanley Park, and his successors Tom Hicks and George Gillet Jr also secceeded in having another stadium design get the ‘green light’. But on both occasions permission was granted before the finance to build was in place.
But times have changed and today the club are under stable leadership.
Earlier on Tuesday, Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson informed the media that he was pleased with the council’s decision and excited for the opportunities it will provide the area around Anfield.
Anderson said: “This is a very important milestone in our ambitions to transform the Anfield area, bringing new jobs, investment and housing.
“The overall regeneration will see £260m invested in Anfield. Liverpool Football Club’s proposals for the stadium are a key part of this. The club is a major employer in the area and its stadium is a major draw for tourists and visitors.”
Brian Cronin, chief executive of Your Housing Group, added: “Today’s decision by the planning committee is good news, not just for Anfield but for the whole of Liverpool. The stadium redevelopment is an integral part of the overall vision for the regeneration of the area.”
