Liverpool City Council’s planning committee has approved plans to expand Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium, it has been announced. The approval is subject to conditions and legal agreement.
The stadium’s expansion is one element of a £260m major regeneration scheme, announced in October 2012, to transform the Anfield area.
The expansion will increase capacity at the stadium from around 45,500 to approximately 59,000 in a £100m plan. Redevelopment would also allow the club to host international fixtures and European finals as the existing stadium is aid to “fall below current UEFA and Premier League standards which restrict the club’s ability” to host major games.
UEFA requires a minimum 50,000 capacity stadium, corporate accommodation and a minimum standard for players and match officials’ changing rooms.
Joe Anderson, the Mayor Liverpool, said: “This is a very important milestone in our ambitions to transform the Anfield area, bringing new jobs, investment and housing. Liverpool FC’s proposals for the stadium are a key part of this.”
It is anticipated that 296 homes will be removed with another 250 new homes built in their place, and a 100-bed hotel constructed under the new scheme.
Last year, a consultation with local residents in the Anfield area resulted in more than 80% in support of the plans.
Construction on the stadium will begin next year and the newly expanded stadium is expected to be completed by the 2016-17 season. Games will continue at the stadium whilst construction work takes place.
