As if the atmosphere at Anfield couldn’t get anymore spine tingling. The Liverpool City Council approved the club’s proposal to expand the prestigious grounds by 13,500 seats, which will up the capacity to 59,000.
The £100 million plan will begin construction next year with an expected completion by the start of the 2016-2017 season. The proposals would see the Main Stand expand from one to three tiers. This includes additional conference and banquet facilities, as well as a new club shop and more parking spaces.
A graphic what the new three tiered Main Stand will look like following the renovations. (Photo:@Soccerbible | Twitter)
A main reason the team wants to redevelop is the opportunity it brings for the club to host major international fixtures and European finals. The current state of the stadium “falls below current UEFA and Premier League stands, which restrict the clubs ability” to host these major games. UEFA want their stadiums to have a minimum of 50,000 seats along with accommodations for corporate sponsors.
Anfield is one of the most prestigious stadiums and is on our list of the top 10 stadiums in the world. Some supporters have taken the news poorly, however, and think that the renovations will ruin the area. Their concerns include that adding more people will only contribute to an already hectic match day around the city, and that the closing of Anfield road during the construction will financially hurt local shops. Mike Butler of the Anfield Regeneration Action Committee said, “The Anfield area is not a business estate for Liverpool Football Club.”
On the other hand the mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said that Liverpool’s proposals were a key part in transforming the Anfield area, which includes bringing new jobs, investment and housing.
A photo of houses under demolition already occuring around Anfield. (Photo: @Briandurand56 | Twitter)
The proposal would bring 250 new homes but it would remove 296. A 100-bed hotel is also in the proposal. Last year, a poll among the area showed 80% support for the plans.
The grounds were built in 1884 and were originally home to Everton FC. Everton then ran into rent issues and moved to Goodison Park, and newly formed Liverpool FC made Anfield home in 1892.
A current shot of Anfield. (Photo:@DJmaintain | Twitter)
