Chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale has reiterated Farhad Moshiri's commitment to Everton's new stadium while writing to Blues fans to explain the agreement the club has struck with Laing O’Rourke to lock in construction costs. The deal will see the contractor deliver the next and final phase of development of the 52,888 capacity venue at Bramley-Moore Dock.
In an open letter sent to Everton supporters, Professor Barrett-Baxendale said: “I felt it was important to contact you directly today to share some significant news for our future. These are challenging times for the world. Challenging times for every household. And, as a club, we are not immune from such challenges.
“But, despite ongoing international uncertainty and the scale of the economic impact of COVID, we’ve been working relentlessly to ensure the biggest project this club has ever undertaken remains on track. Over the last nine months, Bramley-Moore Dock has been transformed from a dock into a site capable of accommodating an amazing stadium. An iconic new home for Everton Football Club.
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“And today, I am delighted to tell you that we have finalised and signed a contract with our construction partners, Laing O’Rourke, which gives us greater certainty as to the costs of the remaining stages of our stadium project. The agreement ensures the work on bringing our new home to reality will continue apace.
“To explain the significance, this agreement means we have renewed clarity over the costs for the remaining stages of the project – and that clarity is in line with our budget and cost planning. In short – we have certainty in these uncertain times.
“Our new home will bring long-term stability to the future of the club – and the delivery of the project is assured thanks to the outstanding work of our stadium team, our Chairman, our Board and our owner.
“Our accounts, released last month, revealed the profound scale of the impact the pandemic has had, and continues to have, on our club. They also demonstrated, though, the scale of investment we have already made in our new stadium – and the unwavering commitment of our owner to finish what he has started.
“To put it into financial terms, this is the biggest investment and the biggest commercial deal and partnership we have ever struck in our club’s history. And, on the subject of commercial partnerships, we will have some exciting news to share in the coming months.
“We have strengthened our commercial team - and put in place a new structure. Our team here in Liverpool, as well as our staff in offices in London and the United States, have been working diligently to ensure we turn challenges into opportunities. The team has been operating in a dynamic and determined way to identify and secure new partnerships. In trying times, that also means acknowledging a need to be pragmatic in order to serve the club as best we can.
“We will never shirk from that. And we will always stand up and face the toughest challenges. After all, they are the characteristics that set Evertonians apart. Every fan has shown those qualities in their support – and commitment to the club – this season.
“Our team has needed that support – and it has never wavered. Every seat for every game has been filled. And every voice heard. The recent vital victories over Newcastle and Manchester United demonstrated the value of such togetherness. So, thank you for your passion – and your ongoing commitment.
“This new contract is significant for our stadium project – and the history of our club. Our owner made a commitment to deliver a new stadium for Everton, and he meant it. He will finish what he started. Today’s news underlines that. Thank you. Denise.”
