Everton Pursues Stadium Plans

January 3, 2008

Everton supporters have unofficially named their planned Kirkby stadium as New Goodison. The stadium’s capacity is rumored to be about 50,000 seats. The project, which is being run in joint venture with Tesco, would see a major rejuvenation of the area with over 400 million pounds invested.

The application includes “development opportunities” for the accessible town centre, counting an unspecified leisure system and a six-figure venture in Kirkby market. Notably, the scheme also has about ten million pounds of road development and work intended to trim down the impact of the vast improvement on surrounding areas.

In the year 2000, Everton confirmed plans for new 50,000-seat stadium that would be a part of the King’s Dock expansion in Liverpool. Many supporters at that time were found out that, of those questioned, 85% would rather depart Goodison Park for a new stadium. Being part of the bid, Everton would be arranged a “preferred bidder” standing and would add 30 million pounds for the project. Yet, the club still failed to raise the money required and were obligated to pull out the project in the year 2003.

In 2005, Liverpool announced their plan to build a stadium to replace Anfield. Everton then assembled with the city council, the Sports Minister, and representatives of Liverpool to talk about the prospect of a ground-share. The offer was however not welcomed with significant interest by either club. Liverpool then continued with the project alone.

Now that Everton has decided to go on with the stadium plans, a greater part of Everton season-ticket and shareholders voted yes to the move outside the city borders last summer. Some fans and concerned Kirkby residents, however, went up against the idea.

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