Everton’s stadium plans approved by government

Everton’s plans to develop a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in the north of Liverpool can proceed after the club’s planning application received government approval.

Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been reviewing the club’s plans since last month.

That government review, standard practice for a development of the size and scale of Everton’s stadium plans, was conducted after Liverpool City Council’s Planning Committee had unanimously approved the plans on February 23.

The club received written confirmation of the Secretary of State’s approval for the plans today (March 26).

The decision to approve a new 52,888-capacity waterfront arena allows the club to complete its agreed acquisition of the site from Peel L&P and the funding solution for the project, ensuring the club can begin to make the plans a reality.

It is estimated that the stadium development and plans for a Goodison Legacy will deliver a £1.3bn boost to the economy, create more than 15,000 jobs and attract 1.4m new visitors to the city.

On such a momentous day, the football club said it would like to thank every Evertonian, along with the many organisations, the tens of thousands of people across the city region and the team of dedicated staff who have played a vital role in ensuring the club reached today’s milestone.

Bramley-Moore Dock

Darran Lawless, director of development for Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters, said: “We are delighted with the Secretary of State’s decision to approve Everton Football Club’s planning application for their new stadium to be housed at Bramley-Moore Dock, here at our Liverpool Waters site.

“This is a unique opportunity for Liverpool and in particular the northern parts of this great city that are in need of continuing regeneration.

“Everton’s plans include impressive new public realm features such as a new stepped terrace, and opening up the historic waterfront which currently is not accessible to members of the public.

“The plans outlined go hand in hand with our own efforts to make the entirety of Liverpool’s waterfront a place for thriving businesses and diverse communities alike by creating thousands of new jobs, new homes and a destination for world class leisure and tourism.”

Everton believes it will be able to start work on the £505m, 52,888-seater stadium, this summer.

With a 150-week build programme, the club could be playing in a new stadium by the 2024/25 season.