English Premier League football club Everton has made further moves to showcase the history of its new stadium site at Bramley-Moore Dock by outlining plans to breathe new life into a derelict hydraulic tower.
Everton has lodged an application for Listed Building Consent to Liverpool City Council. The plans would see the 138-year-old Grade II listed tower become part of the new stadium’s Fan Plaza and house an exhibition or cultural centre celebrating Everton’s heritage, as well as that of the city’s docklands. A café area is also proposed as part of the renovation.
The Listed Building Consent application seeks permission for works to make the building weather-tight and structurally sound, including proposed new openings to allow for a functional layout for the intended use of the building.
Everton’s application, which proposes extensive repairs to the long-vacant building to prevent further degradation, states the restoration of the tower would be “both sympathetic to its past, but sustainable for its future,” and adhere to the heritage principals governing development of the docklands area.
The hydraulic tower, built in 1883, was originally used to power dock infrastructure, and was part of a high-level railway system which connected to and served the docks. However, it has long since fallen into disrepair.
Everton revealed amendments to its initial stadium plans in August following objections from heritage groups. Changes included a river-facing plaza and the removal of the multi-storey car park at the West End of the stadium.
Everton was officially cleared to begin work on its new 52,888-capacity stadium last month after its planning application received Government approval. The Government review, standard practice for a development of the size and scale of Everton’s stadium plans, was conducted after Liverpool City Council’s Planning Committee unanimously approved the plans on February 23. The Council also approved plans for a community-led legacy project at Goodison Park, Everton’s current home.
Everton is hoping to move into its new home in 2024. It had initially been seeking a decision from the Council at some point in December but the verdict was pushed back. The project is expected to cost around £500m (€575.2m/$693.6m) and will create around 15,000 jobs. The design for the stadium includes four distinctive stands, including a steep, 13,000-seat home stand.
Everton said it is expecting a decision from Liverpool City Council on its Listed Building Consent application in the coming months, adding this is separate to any enabling works activity that may take place on-site in relation to the stadium. Everton hopes to be on-site in the summer.
Images: Everton FC
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