Following a feasibility study into the use of Walton Hall public park for the new Everton FC football stadium, it has been reported that the development could generate 1,250 jobs and as many as 1,000 new homes.

Everton Football Club, working with Liverpool City Council, has laid out plans for a new stadium and presented what they call a “transformational regeneration opportunity”. However, the plans would involve uprooting more than half of the 120-acre Walton Hall park.

Everton Football Club wants to replace 39,000 capacity Goodison Park with a new 50,000 capacity grounds. Prior plans in 2009 to move to Kirkby fell through after it was blocked on planning grounds by the previous government. Everton are looking to stay within the city boundaries, taking cues from the partnership between local authorities in Manchester and Manchester City FC, which they claim has proved effective in attracting investment in an derelict area of the city.

London-based economic consultancy group, Volterra Partners has reported that the scheme would also have scope for up to 300,000 square feet of leisure, retail and restaurant space, stressing that current park facilities (such as play areas and football pitches) could all be retained and improved as part of the development plans.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said:

“This report, which is wholly independent, is in no way a plan or an agreement, but is an investigation only into the potential of a project of this scale. The figures used within it are looking at the maximum possibilities. It looks at statistics such as crime, education and unemployment figures and analyses the difference and benefits that a regeneration project could make to the area.

“I can state that, at this time, no plans have been presented to us by Everton FC, but clearly it would be irresponsible of us to allow anyone to come to us with any proposal, for anywhere in the city without us first taking a full and in-depth look at the situation. During all the discussions and public consultation events we have been open and transparent about the process that we are undertaking and so we have a responsibility to share this report and its findings with the public.

“We are listening to residents and we will continue to do so throughout the whole process. We have a designated team who will answer any questions and we will continue to keep you involved every step of the way.”

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Words: Peter Cribley