Friday High Five – the news this week
The trick pub quiz question about the closest football ground to the River Mersey has a new answer when the season kicks off in August.
Everton’s sparkling new home at Bramley Moore Dock is an impressive addition to the city, as well as replacing Edgeley Park, home of Stockport County, as the answer to that teaser.
The Dock Road heading north out of Liverpool city centre is rife with stories embedded in local scouse folklore. Having paid a visit yesterday, to see for myself the opportunities for sport led regeneration alongside the stadium, the next chapter of a brand new legend is being written.
Everton’s owners TFG are in talks with Peel Group, which owns the Liverpool Waters estate that the new stadium is located on, regarding acquiring the neighbouring Nelson Dock for further sports-led regeneration.
It will require patience and perseverance, and the confidence of politicians and investors to think in decades, not just the immediate business and civic cycles.
When the City of Manchester stadium opened for the Commonwealth Games in 2002, it had no Metrolink, and pretty much no local amenities. Now the area is transformed.
We’ve also noted the ambition of Oldham’s football, rugby league and netball clubs around a new sports village.
Change takes time. This week’s news shows that in abundance, but also that quick thinking, courage and decisive action becomes necessary when the chips are down. We’ll keep an eye on what’s going on with In the Style Fashion after it’s pre-pack deal this week, because I’m not wholly convinced this has run its course.
Also this week, one of the most extraordinary stories I have covered in 30+ years in journalism keeps taking new twists. No, not Jack Mason’s expected appeal failure, but the shifting loyalties of those involved.
It’s a big week for TheBusinessDesk.com next week with our second Rainmakers conference at the Emirates Old Trafford, as well as our Leadership Awards the next day.
We’re going to need a new trick quiz question; answers on a postcard or an email please.
Have a great weekend.
