Tweaked Everton stadium plans open to public
Residents, stakeholders and local businesses have until 22 October to have their say on Everton FC’s updated proposals for a £500m, 53,000-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The consultation launch follows the club’s submission of amended proposals to Liverpool City Council in response to discussions with statutory consultees, which raised concerns over the scheme due to its location within the city’s World Heritage Site.
The design tweaks include:
- Decreasing the overall height of the stadium
- Scrapping the proposed multistorey car park attached to the West Stand
- Introducing a stepped plaza facing the River Mersey in place of the car park
Earlier this month, Liverpool City Council launched the North Shore Vision planning framework, aimed at guiding development within the World Heritage Site to facilitate economic growth while seeking to maintain the city’s Unesco World Heritage status.
The amendments to the stadium’s design were made in conformity with the North Shore framework.
However, conservation groups Historic England and the Victorian Society have objected to the proposals to infill the protected dock. Their objections have been met with anger by those who believe the stadium would bring economic growth to the city, including the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
Everton, working alongside consultancies CBRE and Simetrica, estimate that the stadium project could deliver at least a £1.3bn boost to the economy, create more than 15,000 jobs and attract 1.4m visitors to Liverpool.
A decision on the planning application is expected before the end of the year and Everton hopes to start on site early in 2021 subject to consent.
Everton’s stadium development director Colin Chong said: “As we enter the conclusion of the planning phase of the project, our submission is the culmination of a significant amount of work and extreme care that ensures our stadium proposals not only enhance Bramley-Moore Dock, but also the surrounding area.
“A new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock would be truly transformational for North Liverpool, the city region and the Northern Powerhouse.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a difference to the future of our city. I would ask everyone, even if you are not a football fan, to consider this final planning application and submit your comments to the council at this important moment.”