Everton’s Bramley Moore Dock Stadium gets the go ahead!

Everton could be starting the 2024/25 season in a new home after its Bramley Moore Docks stadium takes a massive step forward.

The Toffees dreams of creating a world class stadium on the waterfront have come true.

Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been reviewing the club’s plans since Liverpool City Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the development on February 23.

In a statement, the club said: “The decision to approve a new 52,888-capacity waterfront arena allows the club to complete its agreed acquisition of the site from Peel L&P and the funding solution for the project, ensuring the club can begin to make the plans a reality.”

It is estimated that the stadium development and plans for a Goodison Legacy will bring a £1.3bn boost to the economy, create more than 15,000 jobs and attract 1.4m new visitors to the city.

The statement added: “On such a momentous day, the football club would like to thank every Evertonian, along with the many organisations, the tens of thousands of people across the city region and the team of dedicated staff who have played a vital role in ensuring the club reached today’s milestone.”

When will building begin?

It is hoped building work can begin by late spring this year.

How long will it take to build?

A 12-stage building process is expected to last 150 weeks, which means Everton could be in their new stadium in time for the 2024-25 season.

Could/would the stadium be used for anything else?

Under the plans, the ground could host up to four pop concerts a year as well as weddings, funerals, Christmas parties and conferences.

Who will build the new stadium?

Construction company Laing O’Rourke was appointed in February last year to carry out the work, bringing with it an impressive track record of previous projects around the world including the grandstand at Ascot Racecourse, Atlantis The Palm hotel and resort in Dubai and, closer to home, the new Alder Hey.

What will it look like?

The original plans for the stadium were designed by American architect Dan Meis who revealed he wanted to plan to create a large home end for Blues fans based on Borussia Dortmund’s infamous ‘Yellow Wall’ to make it the greatest home ground in English football. “We’re not building a Bentley, we’re building a Ferrari,” he said. In June last year, he confirmed he was “not currently engaged” in the project.

What is the history of the site?

Bramley Moore Dock, which most Scousers had probably never heard of until Everton’s stadium plan, is just north of Stanley Dock, home of the Titanic Hotel. It was opened in 1848 and named after John Bramley-Moore, who was then chairman of the dock committee. Used as a loading station for coal exports, it was where the Dockers’ Umbrella overhead railway dropped down.

What will happen to the old stadium?

The club have made it clear that they plan to leave a legacy behind them in L4 and not abandon a region that was their home for 130 years.

Outline plans for the area include local housing, a youth enterprise zone, and an education zone, as well as health, retail and leisure facilities.