EVERTON have unveiled plans for their stunning new £500million waterfront stadium – expected to be ready for the 2023/24 season.
The arena is set to fit 52,000 fans and be ready-made for safe standing if the regulations are changed in the future.
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Everton are planning to build the new ground on the unused Bramley-Moore Dock site in north Liverpool.
And its most eye-catching feature is the design of the steep 13,000-seat South Stand behind the goal.
Toffees chiefs are hoping it could create a noisy “Blue Wall”, akin to that of Borussia Dortmund‘s Signal Iduna Park.
And its rail seats could be converted to safe-standing areas once regulations allow it in the future.
Architects think the proposed ground’s location and the brick, glass and steel constriction will give the arena a look “as though it has risen from the dock”.
Everton estimate that construction works will take three years and kick off in 2020 – hoping to move in to the new stadium before the 2023/24 campaign.
OLD GOOD TIMES
Meanwhile, the club’s iconic ground Goodison Park will not be abandoned.
The Toffees want to honour the stadium – which has been their home for the last 127 years – and use it as public space for the community.
Club chiefs are planning to create ‘a range of assets such as homes, health, education and enterprise amenities’ on the Goodison site.
And Everton are already working on potential commercial opportunities that the new arena could bring in.
Chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale said: “It is exceptionally important for us commercially in terms of naming rights, extension to our hospitality and getting fans in through the turnstiles to increase our numbers.
“We are looking at it [stadium naming rights] now and are working on different commercial opportunities and offers.
“I am sure when people see the visuals and the opportunities it presents for a brand it takes the conversations even further.”
The plans are yet to be accepted by the council, but it is estimated it could deliver a £1bn boost to Liverpool’s economy.
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