Premier League football club Everton has confirmed today (Thursday) that construction on its new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley Moore Dock will begin on July 26.
Everton will take possession of the site on that date, with contractors Laing O’Rourke to immediately begin the first phase of the project, which will see enabling works carried out to prepare the dock site in readiness for the build.
Work will include the repair and preservation of the Grade II listed dock wall, stabilising the hydraulic tower, developing welfare facilities for Laing O’Rourke construction staff, preparing for demolition of existing non-listed structures, and raking of the dock floor. Pipework will also be installed that will be used for the infilling of the dock.
Laing O’Rourke will then begin the process of infilling the dock and Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has said that July 26 will mark a “momentous” day in the history of the club.
Everton chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale added: “This moment will rank as one of the most important in the club’s history as it symbolises a new era for Evertonians, an era which will see our supporters, their children and their children’s children supporting their team in one of the finest stadiums in world football.
“This project presents such an exciting future for our club and is a clear demonstration of our owner’s commitment and ambition. I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in helping us reach this point – my colleagues who have ensured this project has remained on schedule despite the challenging circumstances presented by the pandemic, business leaders and politicians, the people of the city and, of course, our supporters who have given us their unwavering support at every stage of this project.
“I would also like to thank Laing O’Rourke and look forward to working with them and seeing our stunning designs become a reality in the years ahead.”
The stadium is expected to deliver a £1bn (€1.16bn/$1.38bn) boost to Liverpool’s economy and provide up to 15,000 jobs for local people, including 12,000 during the construction phase. It is estimated that the stadium, which will cost £500m, will attract 1.4 million visitors to the city.
Everton was officially cleared to begin work on the stadium in March after its planning application received Government approval. Liverpool City Council’s Planning Committee unanimously approved the plans on February 23.
Image: Everton
