Liverpool moves forward with Anfield demolitions
ON the day after Liverpool FC unveiled potential plans for its stadium expansion, the city council submitted an application to demolish around 40 neighbouring homes.
It wants to knock down houses on Lothair Road, Alroy Road, Rockfield Road and Anfield Road which sit on the Main Stand side of the ground.
The proposals do not include the side of Lothair Road closest to the stadium which was dealt with in an application earlier this year.
Many of the houses have been empty for some time, acquired by the club over the past 20 years. In recent years the council has been striking deals with homeowners but secured compuslory purchase powers in December. Last month it said “all parties are close to agreement” on a handful of remaining properties.
The cleared space will allow the football club to extend the Main Stand by 8,500 seats to 21,000 and add a large public square in front of a new entrance. The Anfield Road stand will also be extended, taking total capacity from 45,500 to 58,800.
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 work is linked to a wider Anfield regeneration plan that also involves Liverpool City Council, the social landlord Your Housing, and construction firm Keepmoat.
