Everton release final designs for Bramley-Moore Dock stadium with planning permission set to be submitted

Everton have released the final designs for their proposed new 52,000-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, with planning permission to be submitted on Monday.

The plans are largely similar to those revealed in July, though there have been tweaks to the final design following the comprehensive public consultation, which saw more than 63,000 responses and near universal approval for the stadium project.

The main change sees the multi-storey car park moved from its initial location on the waterfront to be integrated into the stadium itself, which will present a clearer view of the stadium from the river.

There have also been additional environmental measures, including wind baffles, designed to provide some protection from the gusts that often whip in off the Mersey.

Also included in the plans are public spaces around the stadium for use on matchdays and non-matchdays including a Fan Plaza.

The stadium design itself is relatively unchanged, featuring a red brick base in keeping with the surrounding dock buildings and including a nod to the famous Archibald Leitch lattice work at Goodison, with the roof made of steel and glass.

There are four distinct stands with a 13,000 capacity home end behind one of the goals. It has been designed with atmosphere in mind, with the fans as close to the pitch as regulations allow.

The North and South Stands can also be adapted to include rail seating if/when regulations change.

As Bramley-Moore Dock lies within Liverpool’s World Heritage Site, the club have worked closely with Liverpool City Council and heritage organisations to ensure the site is restored as respectfully as possible. As a result a number of the dock’s original features, including its Grade II Listed Hydraulic Tower, will be restored for public use.

Speaking about the stadium plans, Everton chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive said:

“This is a huge milestone in the club’s history but also a profound statement of intent for our future. It marks the culmination of many years of work that has combined the passion of our fans with world class design and a commitment to creating something truly special on Liverpool’s waterfront.

“The stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock will deliver the best possible matchday experience for our fans, new facilities for cultural events and a building that will be a stunning new addition to Liverpool’s built environment.”

Everton’s stadium development director Colin Chong added:

“This project has been designed from the ground up with the site’s heritage in mind – getting this right has always been our priority.

“We have invested an enormous amount of resource and effort in creating a design that not only respects and looks at home in a dockland setting but will also restore and preserve the historic features of Bramley-Moore Dock and, importantly, open a currently inaccessible site to the public.

“We have worked closely with Liverpool City Council and heritage organisations as the plans have evolved and our final proposals include a significant amount of environmental remediation work, along with measures to restore and preserve key aspects of the dock.

“We are immensely proud to submit our proposals for what I believe is one of the most exciting development projects in world football.”

As well as detailed stadium plans, Everton have also submitted outline planning permission for a legacy project at Goodison Park, featuring housing, a health centre, community-led retail and leisure spaces and a youth enterprise zone.

Speaking about the club’s future plans for the Goodison site, Prof Barrett-Baxendale added:

“Our proposals are a commitment to a long and exciting future for the Club in North Liverpool, and also for our award-winning charity, Everton in the Community, to continue to make a life-changing difference in Liverpool 4.

“From its inception, we’ve always believed that this project can be a game-changer for North Liverpool. The vast amount of feedback and overwhelming support we received through our consultation has shown that the people of Liverpool understand that The People’s Project isn’t just about a new football ground – it’s about regeneration, jobs and social value.

“If we are granted planning approval, this will be a world class football stadium in a world class location and a catalyst for Liverpool City Region’s ongoing growth and success.”

Everton hope that their extensive public consultation should ensure that the plans are passed without any issues during the first half of next year.

If that is the case then building work can begin in the summer with a three year build time, meaning Everton can move to the stadium in time for the start of the 2023-24 season.