Lawrence Kenwright’s Signature Living commissioned images of an idea to keep the Bullens Road stand when the famous ground is demolished and turn it into an events venue. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool developer Lawrence Kenwright has voiced his frustration after a draft plan to preserve part of Everton FC’s Goodison Park stadium was leaked to the media.

Mr Kenwright’s company, Signature Living, commissioned images of an idea to keep the Bullens Road stand, when the ground is demolished, and transform it into a conference and events venue with a newly built adjoining hotel.

Everton is looking to build a new £500m stadium at Bramley Moore Dock at Liverpool Waters which would be ready in time for the kick-off of the 2023-24 football season. The club has also proposed a number of legacy projects for the Goodison site and surrounding area and is currently consulting with the public.

READ MORE: See Everton’s FC’s stunning images of its new stadium

Signature’s proposal is in its very early stages and was intended to be kept under wraps for the time being. However, the plan was leaked and appeared in the Liverpool Echo on Thursday.

Mr Kenwright, who has delivered several landmark hotel developments in the city including the recently opened Dixie Dean Hotel, Shankly Hotel and 30 James Street, said: “I am disappointed that this idea, and it is only an idea, has been leaked.

“However, the plan could work and will have the support of Everton’s fans from around the world. Everton is consulting on the future of the area and I’d say that everything should be left on the table.

“There is no need for anyone to overreact to the proposals. It is at a very early stage but we hope it is something that could be explored.”