Stanley Park food hub would support start-ups

MORE details have been released about the “food hub” planned for Stanley Park as part of the regeneration of Liverpool’s Anfield area.

A statement from the city council said it would act as a business incubator for start-up catering businesses which would be offered financial and other support, such as training and advice.

The aim is to help up to 30 start-ups a year. It would also have 24 “catering stations”, which could be on a pay-as-you-go basis.

The food hub was first mooted in June as part of a £260m plan for Anfield which includes more than 500 houses, shops, offices, a hotel and continued promises of a new stadium from Liverpool FC. The proposals have been put forward by a consortium which includes the city council, Your Housing Group, Liverpool Football Club and other partners.

Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills at Liverpool City Council, said: “The plans are at an early stage but we envisage a building which would be of the highest quality design so it complements the surrounding park but also serves a real economic need in the area by helping people to set up their own businesses.

“We believe that it could also be used on match-days and for food-focused events and exhibitions. There could also be some retail space but we would want to be sure that existing food retail businesses in the area would not be adversely affected by this and would be able to take advantage of the opportunities the hub might present for them.

“It’s important that we create reasons for people who visit Anfield – fans and football tourists, for instance – to stay longer and spend more money in the local economy. It’s equally important that we create something which will give local people opportunities.”

Council officials are now in talks with a number of potential partners about how the hub would be managed and operated. Plans will be submitted next year.