Liverpool a Step Closer to New Stadium, Anfield Re-Development "Unlikely"

Liverpool FC today released an official statement regarding the thorny issue of a new stadium, with news that environmental and land/acquisition issues were proving increasingly prohibitive to any chance of redeveloping Anfield, meaning that all signs are now pointing to a new Stadium being constructed in Stanley Park.

Managing Director Ian Ayre said:

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In the nine months since the new ownership, an enormous amount of work has been undertaken in conjunction with leading architects, consultants, other industry experts and with Liverpool City Council to explore the building of a new stadium as well as exploring a refurbishment solution that could deliver the necessary growth in capacity, whilst maintaining the heritage and atmosphere that make Anfield uniquely Liverpool FC.

However, with land/property acquisition, environmental and statutory issues creating barriers to our ambition, it looks increasingly unlikely there is any way we can move forward on a refurbishment of Anfield unless there are significant changes in those areas.

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Ayre also revealed that the work which has been undertaken by the club over the past few months has left them in no doubt that the more economically viable option would be to renovate the current stadium Anfield, an option which no doubt most Reds would be thrilled with.

He went on to say:

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In terms of a Stanley Park stadium versus redevelopment, there is absolutely no question that a refurbishment of Anfield would come at a significantly lower cost than a new build. A new stadium of course also has its merits, being modern, more functional, and easier to construct.

However, a new 60,000 capacity ground also comes at a significantly higher price, while at the same time only delivering roughly the same amount of revenue as a refurbishment of Anfield—with both options offering an uplift of approximately 16,000 seats each. 

It's disappointing that based on where we are at the moment, we seem to be unable to press on with the more viable economic option of a refurbishment, but we remain committed to finding the best possible long-term solution.

We already have a very healthy dialogue in place with several leading brands regarding naming rights for a new stadium, but like every major deal we have ever done, that just takes time to explore in full.

We also have ongoing discussions with various parties around the financing of either facility. Our challenge now is to try to find a way to bring all of those elements together in a solution that is in the best interests of Liverpool Football Club and its fans.

We are mindful that supporters have been promised a solution in the past and have been disappointed, and also that local residents would like to know what direction we are headed in.

However, just like any other business, we can only proceed as and when we are clear on all elements and we will not be forced to make a decision that is not in the best long-term interests of our club and we will not make any promises to our fans that we cannot keep. We will continue to work diligently on this project and keep our fans informed of any progress.

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Council leader Joe Anderson also commented on the issue, saying that although he realised that the club needed to make the correct decision for itself, the local area and the community in general had been waiting a long time and that he would be pressing the club for a definitive answer as soon as realistically possible.

A month ago this BR writer looked at the two options for Liverpool of redeveloping Anfield or indulging in the naming rights-based approach for a new stadium in Stanley Park and it now looks as though, against the apparent wishes of the club, it might indeed be no choice at all for the club in the direction in which it must head, with a new stadium the only viable option due to laws and procedures which must be followed.

Fans the world over will await further news from the club on the matter, which now seems one step closer to being decided.

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