Delay hits new Blues stadium
EVERTON’S plans to build a new stadium are on hold until the 2023-24 season.
And the Blues are ready to drop an agreement with Liverpool City Council over financing and instead pursue private funding for the £500million arena on the banks of the Mersey.
The Merseyside club have unveiled the second phase of their ambitious project with the announcement of a public consultation, which will see them seek the views of Merseysiders before submitting full planning.
That will delay the official planning application until the second half of 2019, which will in turn delay the completion date.
The club have explained they want to get the support of the entire community before submitting their plans, but it is understood capacity is likely to be in the 52-55,000 region, rather than the 63,000-plus fans have been campaigning for.
Everton know the stadium is a sensitive issue on Merseyside because the development is on a World Heritage site.
The consultation, named The People’s Project, will see a series of roadshows across the city.
Everton CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale , said: “We would like as many people as possible – and not just football fans – to take part and let us know their views.”