Liverpool, the English Premier League football club, has opened a public consultation into plans to expand its training and academy facilities in nearby Kirkby.
As reported by The Stadium Business last month, the £50m (€57.7m/$60.8m) project includes proposals to build a new, combined training centre on the site of the current academy, with the main pitch to be converted into an indoor facility. The move would mean Liverpool departing Melwood, its training base since the 1950s.
Working in partnership with Knowsley council, the club is also hoping to construct a new viewing stand for spectators and will carry out a series of upgrades to existing facilities at the site, while the areas that surround the site would be improved with new dog walking and cycling tracks.
View a video of Liverpool’s training ground plans here
Local residents were given the chance to discuss the plans with club and council officials during a session at Northwood Community Centre in Kirkby yesterday (Wednesday).
Liverpool requires approval from various parties in order to push ahead with the planned redevelopment.
Speaking last month, Andy Hughes, chief operating officer at the club, said: “Our proposed plans to bring the first team and young players together in one location is a really exciting proposition.
“We recognise that Melwood has played a significant role in the club’s success and forms an important part of our history. However, the Melwood site is limited in space and is unable to accommodate our longer-term ambitions, which is why we are exploring options on the academy site.”
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