Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium gets royal seal of approval as Princess Anne visits to mark the 175th anniversary of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and offers the £750m arena the thumbs-up. Tony McDonough reports
A smiling Princess Anne arrived at Everton FC’s £750m Hill Dickinson Stadium and gave the arena the royal seal of approval.
HRH The Princess Royal was visiting the stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool Waters to attend an event celebrating 175 years of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, attended by more than 100 guests from the business community.
Chamber chief executive Paul Cherpeau and Everton’s chief real estate and regeneration officer Colin Chong, wowed the princess with a tour of the stadium. Colin had overseen the mammoth construction project which is now complete.
After being greeted by business representatives, local politicians, civic dignitaries and charity partners Anne was given the full tour experience taking in the players’ tunnel and going pitchside to experience the scale of the 52,000-seater stadium.
She was then introduced to assembled groups at The Yard events space, including patrons and strategic partners of the chamber and members of the Everton team responsible for developing and operating the stadium. She then unveiled a plaque commemorating the chamber’s anniversary.
Before departing, Anne was handed a commemorative pin badge by Mona Hassan, chair of the Future Impact Board and a posy of flowers from Fiona Hornsby, a former patient of Liverpool Women’s Hospital, the Chamber’s charity partner of the year.
Paul Cherpeau said: “This has been an incredibly special day for everyone associated with Liverpool Chamber. We were privileged to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to help commemorate this most special anniversary.
“The chamber’s role as a cornerstone of our business community has been baked into our city’s fabric
“From connecting businesses with contacts and opportunities across global markets to helping connect the world of education and business, we’ve sought to go where business needs us and ensure that we continue to be a trusted, authentic partner for them.
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“We have been delighted to welcome all of our guests to the new home of Everton Football Club. The Hill Dickinson Stadium represents one of the most exciting and transformational projects in our city’s recent history.
“We are all excited about the impact it will have on both the football club itself and the wider area.
As we celebrate 175 years of impact, we renew our shared commitment to the future. We will build on the legacy of those who came before us, and work together with our businesses and partners to ensure that Liverpool remains a vibrant, dynamic, and thriving place to do business, for many years to come.”