June 16 – Liverpool have been given the green light by local authorities to press ahead with £60 million plans to redevelop Anfield Road capacity to 61,000.
On Tuesday, Liverpool Council gave official approval for the stadium expansion which will see the capacity at Anfield increased by 7,000. Some local residents and environmental groups had expressed concern over the impact the works could have on nearby Stanley Park, but ultimately the planning committee voted 6-2 in favour of the scheme.
The redevelopment is expected to be completed within the next 18 months, taking the investment of Fenway Sports Group, the owners of Liverpool, upwards of the £200 million mark with £110 million spent on main stand and the £50 million on new training facility in Kirkby.
During construction, there will be no reduction of capacity.
With the expanded capacity Liverpool is also seeking to play host the several other events, both sporting and non-sporting, and as part of the planning submission hasbeen awarded permission to hold up to six concerts and major events at the stadium for a period of five years. In the past, Bon Jovi, Pink and Take That have all performed at Anfield.
Andy Hughes, managing director of Liverpool FC, said: “This is a huge milestone in our journey towards bringing more supporters into Anfield. We underwent a rigorous two-stage public consultation period during the planning process for this project and I would like to thank everyone who has offered a contribution to that.
“We have been clear from the beginning that this expansion would be based on our ability to successfully navigate the complex planning landscape; our ability to gain co-operation of local residents and the community; and our ability to ensure the project is financially viable.”
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