City leaders are to decide on drafted plans to regenerate Anfield, which could pave the way for the £260 million scheme which intends to breathe new life into north Liverpool.
The plans, which will involve a major redevelopment of the area, are due to be considered by Liverpool City Council’s cabinet on February 7th and their approval would allow the council to seek formal planning permission.
The news follows the announcement by Liverpool FC last year that the club intends to reamin in their current home of Anfield, increasing the capacity to 60,000 seats, in a series of development work that will benefit the area.
A range of other facilities are planned to accompany the stadium development, with planning applications for new housing, business and retail premises, a hotel and a range of community facilities in the area submitted in the plans.
Mayor Joe Anderson welcomed the submission of the draft, claiming that the council has listened to the people of Anfield in delivering the regeneration plans.
He said: “The publication of today’s draft sends a very clear message to the people of north Liverpool: a brighter Anfield is coming.
“This is one of the most important milestones in the recent history of north Liverpool and will lead to a huge improvement in quality of life for many thousands of people.”
An obstacle for the developments could be the residents themselves, with four household owners yet to strike a deal with the council to vacate their homes for the development.
However, Anderson is confident that they will be able to reach an agreement.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “They need to understand that I’m not going to sit back and let this scheme be held up by a few people.“We are being fair, honest and open with them and the reality is it’s for them to communicate with us and do a deal, because we are not going to hold back on this development.”
Ian Ayre, Managing Director of Liverpool Football Club, welcomed the progress and said: “The publication of the draft SRF document is another important milestone in the regeneration project as we continue this exciting journey to transform the Anfield area.
“We regard the progress to date as extremely positive and will continue to be fully supportive of the regeneration project with Liverpool City Council and Your Housing Group.”