Landmark plans for the future of Goodison Park will “celebrate the legacy” of Everton Football Club.
In two years time, the Toffees are scheduled to move out of their 130-year-old home for a 52,000 seater stadium on the banks of the River Mersey at Bramley Moore Dock. Plans for the demolition of their historic current ground and how the club intends to leave the site were approved by Liverpool Council ’s planning committee this morning.
It is the second time the proposals have been heard, having been submitted last February with plans to construct the new ground at Bramley Moore Dock. Legal agreements agreed as part of the plans have not been completed and due to the time period that has elapsed since the original report was written, the application needed to be reconsidered having regard to any changed circumstances, particularly in relation to national and local planning policy.
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According to Alix Craig, Everton FC stadium development and project manager, said the club’s plans, referred to as the Goodison Park Legacy Project, ensured Everton retained control of any developments moving forward and would “maintain the legacy vision” of the club. She added the Blues are “deeply rooted in L4” and were keen to “maintain that connection” with the area.
The outline planning application seeks to transform the 3.39 hectare site into a mixed-use development, including housing, commercial space, community/retail uses and open space. The scheme could also go on to home 173 residential properties of affordable value, a care home, office space and flexible space for a mix of retail, financial and professional services, as well as restaurants and cafes, drinking establishments and hot food takeaways.
Kirkdale ward member, Cllr Joe Hanson, said while Everton had delivered what they promised in terms of public consultation, he had a “real concern” that County Road would suffer once the club moved onto the dockland site. He said the establishment of any drinking or food venues could “hasten what’s already going to happen” in the area.
Ms Craig said the club shares that concern and wouldn't want to do anything that impacts the area. It is proposed that the existing entrance gates in the south west of the site, including commemorative/ memorial plaques dedicated to former fans on the site boundary walls either side of the entrance gates, and the Ralph ‘Dixie’ Dean statue currently present at the site will be retained at the site.
Work will not begin on demolishing the ground until the club has completely relocated with a completion date likely to be in 2028. Ms Craig, who cited the impact of the club’s charity Everton in the Community, over the past 30 years, said the scheme underlined Everton’s commitment to non-abandonment of L4 despite the relocation to Bramley Moore.
