Liverpool’s proposed expansion of Anfield has been slow going since owners Fenway Sports Group announced that re-generation rather than a fresh build would be the way forward for the club, but the clubs plans took another important step forward yesterday with Liverpool City Council’s Planning Committee agreeing to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and legal agreement, for the construction.
“This is a very important milestone in our ambitions to transform the Anfield area, bringing new jobs, investment and housing” explained Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson at a press conference yesterday. “The overall regeneration will see £260m invested in Anfield. Liverpool Football Club’s proposals for the stadium are a key part of this. The club is a major employer in the area and its stadium is a major draw for tourists and visitors.”
The Reds will be expanding both the Main Stand and the Anfield Road End with the hopes that the construction will be completed for the start of the 2016-17 season. An additional 8,500 seats is what’s being proposed for the Main Stand, while the Anfield Road End will see it’s capacity increased by 4,800 seats — upping the overall Anfield capacity to 54,000 supporters.
“Today’s approval by the Planning Committee is another step on our journey which we embarked on nearly two years ago” said club CEO Ian Ayre. “We received very positive support for our proposals during a public consultation exercise earlier this year and whilst we are delighted about the progress made today, there are still some steps that we need to navigate through in order to give us the certainty that we need to proceed with our expansion plans.”
