Premier League club Everton has formally taken control of its new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
A ceremonial handover took place at Everton Stadium on Friday, with the event attended by the club’s new executive chairman Marc Watts and interim chief executive Colin Chong.
The pair were joined by other dignitaries, including Gareth Jacques, project director at Laing O’Rourke, which has overseen construction of the stadium.
The handover comes three-and-a-half years after the commencement of the project back in August 2021. The stadium has a capacity of 52,888, with Everton set to move in ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Everton will now oversee the six-month fit-out phase that commences in January. This will include interior design specialists, tradesmen and women and audio-visual engineers completing the stadium’s bars, restaurants and experiences, and retail spaces.
Laing O’Rourke will retain a presence at Everton Stadium in the early months of 2025, as the company ensures the venue meets required quality standards and specifications.
The handover ceremony took place just a day after Everton confirmed that The Friedkin Group (TFG) had completed its takeover of the club. TFG has financially supported the stadium development and the club through an initial loan investment in the summer and with funding during the change of control process.
Three test events will take place at the stadium before the start of next season. More information on how fans can qualify for and access these events will be released in the New Year.
Watts (pictured left) said: “I feel privileged to be here today to be part of the handover of this magnificent stadium in this stunning, unrivalled location. It is an illustrious moment in the history of Everton and marks a new era for the club on many levels.
“The stadium will play a key role in supporting our commercial vision for the club – hosting events and activities all-year round – but first and foremost, I have no doubt that it will be a venue that every Evertonian will be proud to call home.”
Chong (pictured right) added: “Our thanks go to Laing O’Rourke, their workforce and extensive supply chain, along with the many people who have helped bring our vision to fruition. Everton’s passionate supporters deserve immense praise for investing fully in this journey, right from the initial consultation phases and throughout the three-and-a-half-year build process.
“Construction has not been without its challenges, but we have remained on schedule despite a worldwide pandemic and a war in Ukraine, which threatened to affect the delivery of materials and destabilised financial markets. That is a testament to everyone involved and I am sure I speak for all our staff and supporters by saying we are absolutely delighted to take control of a site which will soon become one the best football stadiums in world football.”
