Everton have announced plans to build a new stadium at Walton Hall Park, not far from Goodison. Of all the stadiums in the Premier League, Goodison Park is one of those most in need of redevelopment or replacement.
However, dog walkers who use the park are not happy. There would also be need for development around the stadium to support it. A capacity of 50,000 is planned.
Everton have announced plans to build a new stadium at Walton Hall Park, not far from Goodison. Of all the stadiums in the Premier League, Goodison Park is one of those most in need of redevelopment or replacement.
However, dog walkers who use the park are not happy. There would also be need for development around the stadium to support it. A capacity of 50,000 is planned.
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson said the stadium plan for Walton Hall Park would be a ‘catalyst’ to spark regeneration in the nearby area. A council spokesman said it and the club would create ‘a new, vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood’.
However, previous experience with stadiums as drivers of regeneration is mixed. It is not happened at Middlesbrough or with Coventry’s Ricoh Arena to the extent that was hoped for.
Club chairman Bill Kenwright said the chance to build ‘a minute away from our beloved Goodison’ was too good to miss. The council spokesman said the decision to develop the park followed ‘an exhaustive search for suitable sites within the city’. Others such as the Green Party argue that there are brownfield sites available, but they are not as close to the club’s historic home.
Mr Kenwright said no timetable for the building of the stadium was in place, but that after consulting with the local community, fan groups and project partners, a planning application ‘could be made within 12 months’. This means that we are looking at a period of at least five years before completion.