Liverpool FC reveals Anfield expansion

LIVERPOOL Football Club has unveiled its long-awaited stadium plans which will increase the seating at Anfield from 45,500 to 58,800

An expansion of the Main Stand by 8,500 seats to 21,000 is at the heart of the two-stage proposals.

Outside the stadium it will open out into a large plaza on land currently occupied by housing on Lothair Street. Some 72 homes will be demolished to allow for the work.

Most of them have been acquired already and Liverpool City Council said “all parties are close to agreement” for the remainder.

Supporters will enter the ground by walking up a large ramp at the Main Stand above a new home for the Hillsborough Memorial. The Anfield Road stand is also being extended to cater for a further 4,800 fans. The club will now start consulting with fans and residents before submitting a planning application in the summer.

If planning consent is granted construction work on the Main Stand could begin early next year and be finished in time for the 2016-17 season.

The club’s managing director Ian Ayre said: “We are embarking on a consultation process which will shape and inform our planning application. In order to move forward with our expansion plans we need to have certainty that we can navigate the complex planning process and secure the support of the community, local home owners, businesses and other key stakeholders. This consultation exercise is an important part of this process.

“We started this journey just over 18 months ago and a lot of work has already been done, there is still an incredible amount to do, but good progress has been made so far and we are proud to be able to unveil our plans.”

The work is linked to a wider Anfield regeneration plan that also involves Liverpool City Council, the social landlord Your Housing, and construction firm Keepmoat.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “This is another important step in our ambitions to transform the Anfield area, bringing new jobs, investment and housing. The overall regeneration of Anfield will see £260m invested in the local community and will deliver hundreds of jobs – Liverpool Football Club’s proposals for the stadium are a key part of this.

“We are all committed to delivering a brighter future for Anfield and the Club’s exhibition is a clear signal that real progress is being made with all our plans.”

The Anfield designs have been drawn up by London-based KSS Architects.

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