Liverpool apply to build 60,000-seater stadium

LIVERPOOL yesterday applied for planning permission for a 60,000- seater stadium in Stanley Park, less than 300 yards from Anfield.

The club hopes to move into the new €112 million arena in the summer of 2006, providing it is given permission to begin construction on the project by the Liverpool City Council.

Liverpool have spent “several million” getting the plans to this stage since the idea of a new stadium for the club was discussed three years ago.

Chief executive Rick Parry is confident a new arena will contribute to Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008 and highlighted the expected positive impact a new stadium would have on the surrounding region.

“These plans will have a massive impact on the area,” Parry said.

“Three years have elapsed since the plans were first mooted and several million pounds and a phenomenal amount of time has gone into reaching the stage which we have reached today.

“The changes to the stadium are not massively different to the ones unveiled last year but it will be pretty unique and one that cannot be compared to any existing model.

“The areas around the stadium are of great interest now and it is a project fitting of Capital of Culture status for the city.

“We believe we have covered every possible angle in terms of the planning application and it’s a critically important day for us.

“We are delighted to have reached this stage of planning, but things will get much harder from here on in as the project gets bigger.

“The club sees the new stadium as a catalyst for the regeneration of the entire area, which will be to the benefit of the whole community.

“However, we made clear the time scales involved are now critical if the stadium is ready for 2006 and the regeneration package completed in time for the European Capital of Culture in 2008,” he said.

Today’s application includes a museum and hall of fame, as well as an education centre and underground car park.

Liverpool’s plans for a new home does not necessarily to bring an end to suggestions of a ground-sharing between the Reds and near- neighbours Everton.

The idea had been mooted with both clubs looking to invest small fortunes on new grounds which would be built near each other, and Parry revealed yesterday’s news would not prevent any discussions.

Liverpool also expect to apply for permission within two years to build Anfield Plaza, a complex of hotels, offices and restaurants around the planned new stadium, which is expected to retain the historic Anfield name.