Business leaders across Liverpool have been given an update on the progress of Everton’s new stadium.
Members of the Downtown in Business networking organisation met with senior Club officials and construction partner Laing O’Rourke at the Royal Liver Building, where they were given an overview of the waterfront development.
Attendees were given an insight into various elements of the major construction project, including new sponsorship opportunities and revenue creation, the ALL restaurants, bars and experiences, the challenges posed to construction workers by the weather and the subsequent plans for the Goodison Legacy Project, once the Club moves into the new stadium.
And with local employment opportunities and the wider regeneration of the dockside area also high on the agenda, the business sector continues to back Everton’s ambitious plans.
Frank McKenna, Chief Executive of Downtown in Business, said: “We are all keen to stay engaged with the stadium development because it is such a huge thing for the city’s economy.
“This is not just a football stadium, it’s a catalyst for regeneration, jobs and investment and we’re hopeful that in the next few years we are going to see more regeneration on the back of Everton Stadium.
“What we have heard demonstrates the progress and optimism around the development and I think right now it’s probably the most ambitious project that’s going on in the country.
“I was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a few weeks ago and you could see the impact that stadium has had on the football club, but what we are talking about here is the transformation and regeneration of north Liverpool.”
McKenna added: “The really great thing is that the Goodison Legacy Project is leaving behind so many great facilities to support the community, and it will include employment opportunities, new careers and new things happening as a result of that stadium build.
“It's all positive, and from an ambition and aspirational perspective, I can’t see anything happening in the UK at the moment that’s as big as this.”
Richard Kenyon, Everton’s Chief Commercial Communications Officer, said that the move was a “game-changer” and would provide a “commercial step change” for the Club, through improved commercial deals, enhanced matchday revenues and the opportunity of making the stadium a destination for conferences, events and concerts.
It was also confirmed that rail seating, to comply with safe standing regulations, is included in the plans.
Vicky Jaycock, Senior Manager for New Stadium Sales, then outlined the ALL bars, restaurants and experiences concept that will be available to supporters at Everton Stadium, ranging from fine-dining to high street-style restaurants, from sports’ bars to traditional pubs and everything in-between.
Meanwhile, Tom Higgins, a Director at Laing O’Rourke, outlined the importance of the project to Everton fans, to the Club’s construction partner and in context of the city of Liverpool.
He said: “This development is very important for the city of Liverpool and Evertonians.
“It will be a fantastic, world-class stadium that is fit for purpose in the 21st Century and the facilities are going to blow people away in terms to access to bars, restaurants and the Fanzone outside, which is going to be a great facility.
“From our point of view, it’s a unique scheme on a waterfront, which is very challenging from an engineering point of view but if someone had asked me 12 months ago, would you be where you are now, I’d have said yes.”
