LIVERPOOL
Liverpool release first photos of Anfield expansion
Liverpool are redeveloping Anfield and will increase the capacity of the historic ground as they eye permission to hold concerts and other major sporting events.
Liverpool FC have announced plans to expand Anfield with the capacity growing from 54,000 to 61,000 should the €70 million project's planning application be accepted. The 7,000 extra seats would be in the Anfield Road Stand and mostly general admission seating, the official statement released by the club said.
The club want to showcase the 'best live football experience' in Europe and also "hold concerts and other major events at Anfield, including other sporting events such as Gaelic games and American football outside of the matchday calendar."
There was a plan launched in 2014 to increase the capacity by 4,000 but Goal.com say that this was deemed insufficient by the ownership group, Fenway Sports.
They are aware of concerns raised by business owners and resident over noise, light and traffic but Liverpool are holding 'public consultation' events into the new year to sound out potential issues.
"You can lose in a stadium with 100,000 people in!" said Jurgen Klopp. "It's really early stages so I don't know what I can say, but I saw pictures and it looks really good.
"The best news of that is this club is constantly trying to develop and make the next steps, and that's what I like about the news. Making this iconic place available for more people is a very good idea. It's exciting."
Andy Hughes, Liverpool's CEO said in the statement:
"For any expansion to the Anfield Road Stand to go ahead we need certainty on three key areas. Firstly, that we are able to reach agreement with local residents, businesses and community groups that they will allow the expansion plan to take place, which will mean closing a short section of Anfield Road between 96 Avenue and Skerries Road.
“Secondly, that we have the right sustainable financial and economic model in place to deliver a long-term sustainable Anfield. And lastly, that we are able to successfully navigate the complex planning landscape. We need to be satisfied on all three points for work to proceed.