Lisa Nandy has visited Bramley-Moore Dock alongside Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor
Everton’s “transformative” new home on the banks of the Mersey will play “an important part in the future of the Liverpool City Region” according to the new Culture Secretary. As the Labour Party held its annual conference in Liverpool, Lisa Nandy was given a first look at the 52,888 seater stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
Ms Nandy, MP for Wigan, was appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport following July’s election, was joined by Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and lifelong Evertonian. It is hoped that when the ground opens for business next August it could generate £1.3bn for the wider economy.
Colin Chong, Everton’s interim chief executive, alongside Cathal O’Rourke, Laing O’ Rourke chief executive, informed the delegation of efforts to create £280m of social value during the build. Ms Nandy said she and the government shared the community’s excitement for the new stadium to open in 11 months’ time.
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She said: “Everton is a club with a rich and proud history – this new stadium will play an important part in not only the club’s next chapter, but also the future of Liverpool City Region. Both Andy and Steve have expressed the incredible contribution that Everton Football Club makes to the local community, and we absolutely share their excitement for the official opening in August 2025.”
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Everton Stadium is due to be completed on schedule later this year and the club is planning a series of test events early next year in anticipation of playing their first competitive fixture at the new waterfront home next August. Work is underway to develop infrastructure around the stadium, as the ECHO revealed Liverpool Council has received a planning application for the creation of a fan management zone at Sandhills station.
As the nearest station to the new ground, it will be a key transport hub for Blues and visiting fans getting to and from the stadium and city centre. Special arrangements are being made to accommodate the numbers of people expecting to use the narrow access to Sandhills and its single island platform.
According to documents submitted to the local authority by Merseytravel, the organisation has developed plans with Everton, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, British Transport Police, Liverpool Council and Merseyrail to deal with the increased footfall. Mr Chong said: “It was great to have to the opportunity of hosting the Secretary of State and Lisa’s Labour colleagues at Everton Stadium.
“I’d like to thank Lisa, Steve, Andy and all the civil servants for taking the time out of their busy conference schedule to see this important development for themselves. As the project nears completion, they also saw how transformative it will be for the city as the club’s ambitious plans continue to provide new opportunities, raise aspirations and create a lasting legacy.”
Mr O’Rourke added: “We are proud to be working with Everton on a project that is the catalyst for the regeneration of this part of north Liverpool, and which has created employment, training and educational opportunities for thousands of local people.”
