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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Keifer MacDonald

What's next for Anfield expansion after stunning new footage released

On September 30 2021, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp kick-started a significant period in the club's recent history.

After work had initially been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Reds finally got the Anfield Road End expansion project underway and it was Klopp who was given the privilege of supplying the ground-breaking dig at a ceremony 10 months ago.

Since then, there have substantial developments to the project which is being led by the the Buckingham Group. Here is a recap of how the expansion has progressed so far.

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September 2021 - The first dig

As mentioned, it was the Reds' manager who was handed the privilege of being able to make the first inroads into the project as he stood in the torrential Merseyside rain last September. The project, which will be the third redevelopment under Fenway Sport Group's tenure, will cost around £60m and will increase Anfield's capacity from 54,000 to 61,000.

Klopp put his spade to work while Ian Rush, Kenny Dalglish, Phil Neal, John Aldridge and CEO Billy Hogan watched on.

March 2022 - Six-month milestone

As the construction hit the six-month mark, progress on the site was evident as the steel pillars were being positioned into place to hold up the frame of the stand. Liverpool's unprecedented quadruple chase had caused some cause for concern for the Buckingham Group as they had to keep handing the stadium back to the club on the morning of match days and ultimately reduced the amount of time the contractors had to work on the site during the week.

On the same day, Liverpool Managing Director Andy Hughes spoke to the ECHO about the importance of the project.

"It's absolutely critical to safeguard the future," Mr Hughes told the ECHO.

"We've been working on these projects for a long time.

"The Main Stand has gone well, the training ground has gone well and we're on track with this project as well.

"I think we will have spent over £250m on infrastructure for the long-term at the club, which I think is a real statement from the owners for the future of Liverpool Football Club."

July 2022 - Further footage

Earlier this week, the latest aerial footage of the project was released online by YouTube producer Mister Drone UK, who has been publishing weekly updates from around the stadium.

In the latest update to his channel, the vlogger highlighted the extensive work that is currently being done during the off-season.

"Looking over, I think I can see five cranes? he says. "Unless I'm just looking at it and it's two parts to it. And looking again, the steel's gone a little bit higher than last time."

Additionally, the framework of the roof, which will be lifted into place once the framework has been completed, is being put together in a nearby car park.

July 2022 -June 2023 - The next steps

Speaking at the six-month update back in March, Colin Roddy of the Buckingham Group revealed that the roof will is expected to be lifted into place when the Premier League breaks for the World Cup this winter if work continues at its current pace.

The footage supplied by Mister Drone UK also shows a stunning overhead view of the ongoing works, with plenty of the concrete pillars which will hold the stand in place already being built upon.

If all goes to plan, the construction will be completed next summer and Anfield will be ready to open its doors to 61,000 supporters for the opening weekend of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Upon completion, the Reds' improved capacity will see them boast the fourth largest stadium in the Premier League.

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