English Premier League football club Liverpool has confirmed that it will proceed with the redevelopment of its Kirkby-based academy site, which will be designed by leading architecture firm KSS.
The project, which will have an estimated cost of £50m, will result in Liverpool’s first team and academy training operations and facilities being joined together on one new campus. Facilities will include an elite performance centre for the first team and a state-of-the-art training centre for its U23s team.
Liverpool’s chief operating officer Andy Hughes said: “This is a major step forward for the club and we’re proud to be investing in the Knowsley area. Our aspiration to create a clear pathway for our young players through to the first team is an ambitious project.”
Separate first team and U23 academy zones will be built into the new 9200sqm space. Two gyms, a full-size sports hall, pool, hydrotherapy complex and specialist sports rehab suites will also be incorporated, along with dedicated TV studios, press conference facilities and office accommodation.
Work is expected to begin on the Eddie McArdle community playing fields at Simonswood Lane in late July, with construction on the club’s academy site beginning in early October. It is hoped the project will be completed in the spring of 2020.
Hughes added: “The site in Kirkby provides the ideal location for the new home of our elite performance centre and state-of-the-art training facility.
“The commitment to deliver this exciting project further demonstrates the continued investment by our owners and reinforces the identity of LFC as one of the top football clubs in Europe.
“The scheme will not only provide first-class facilities for our players and staff, but also help create quality sports facilities for the community of Kirkby to enjoy.”
Image: KSS/Liverpool FC
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