‘Unique’ plot of land next to Anfield’s Kop comes to market

Liverpool City Council is marketing a one hectare plot of land next to Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium as part of the area’s £260m regeneration.

The local authority has appointed a team of experts to bring forward development of the land, which it describes as “unique”.

Brownfield site, Anfield Square, has been vacant since the demolition of more than 150 former derelict properties.

The council says it has considerable potential to provide a massive economic, environmental and social impact to the area.

Its development would be a further key milestone in the Anfield Regeneration programme, which over the past decade has seen the council and its partners already deliver:

• 600 new homes

• 600 refurbished homes

• A new school

• Retail units

• Public space, and

• The expansion of Liverpool Football Club stadium (currently on its next phase at the Anfield Road end).

Following a procurement exercise, the council has appointed place management consultants, Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL), along with its subconsultant team, LDA and PLACED, to act as agent and assist with the marketing and disposal of the site and to attract the broadest and highest calibre of potential developers.

Basing its decision on the Mayoral Triple Lock social value policy, the council is placing an emphasis on a new development that is rooted and focused on community inclusion.

Following the appointment of JLL the site’s potential will be explored via a soft market testing exercise, as well as a series of public and stakeholder engagement sessions in February and March, to inform the production of a development brief which will then be advertised to market.

Bounded by Walton Breck Road, Gilman Street, Back Rockfield Road and Pulford Street. Anfield Square also lies just a few hundred yards away from the Grade II-listed Stanley Park and the council will also be seeking an environmental focus to any proposed development.

Cllr Sarah Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Development and Economy, said: “This square presents a unique opportunity to create something special for the Anfield community – and most importantly a development that is shaped by those that live there.

“Liverpool FC’s stadium is world-renowned and attracts visitors from all over the planet, and the club is continuing to invest in it, so there will be an extremely high benchmark for the quality of what happens to Anfield Square. The benchmark for community inclusion will also be very high to ensure this development provides a long lasting positive economic, social and environmental impact for our residents in the area.”

She added: “I’m delighted we’ve appointed such a talented team of experts with an impressive track record in community engagement and high quality developments. I look forward to seeing their work progress and hearing the views of the Anfield and Everton communities as this exciting journey begins to take shape.”

Henry Burton, development director at JLL, said: “This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future development for Anfield Square in a way that provides social, environmental and economic value for Liverpool.

“The prominent site, which is adjacent to the football ground of one of the world’s most famous football clubs, will appeal to a wide range of developers that are committed to delivering transformative regeneration projects. We look forward to working with Liverpool City Council to identify the right development partner for this exciting scheme.”