Business leaders given update on progress of Everton’s new stadium

Around 40 members of the Downtown in Business networking organisation met with representatives from Everton and construction partner Laing O'Rourke at the Club's HQ in the Royal Liver Building, where they were given an overview of work on the waterfront development and given an update on the progress of the new stadium.

Attendees were given an insight in to various elements of the major construction project, including sustainability, inclusivity, environmental concerns and the social value generated by the build.

And with the creation of local jobs - both during the stadium build and the subsequent wider regeneration of the area - high on the agenda, the business sector has thrown their collective weight behind Everton's ambitious plans.

Frank McKenna, Chief Executive of Downtown in Business, said: "In this city everyone has their football hat on, first and foremost, but what we have been keen to explain to the wider business community is that this is genuinely a regeneration project that will benefit the whole of the city."

"It doesn't matter who your allegiance is with; this gives the north of Liverpool an opportunity that it has needed, for generations, of regenerating an area that is one of the most deprived in Europe."

"For us it's been about getting that narrative the right way around, because there are lots of businesses in the city who are maybe headquartered in Manchester or London and who wouldn't necessarily think the development of a new stadium was a big deal."

"Yes, this is a football stadium first - and one the city will be proud of - but also look at the opportunities that brings around that area of Liverpool."

The business leaders heard that the infill process at Bramley-Moore Dock is on track to be completed early next year, when the enabling works can be completed and work can finally begin on the above ground build of the state-of-the-art arena.

Oliver Wright, Head of Sales & Hospitality, Everton Football Club, was one of the 40+ industry expert speakers at the 2021 edition of ALSD International, during which attendees enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of Goodison Park and evening networking event, sponsored by Sodexo. Oliver joined "The Future of Premium Seating" panel, alongside representatives from the Co-op Live, ASM Global, RLWC2021 Hospitality and STH Group.

Colin Chong, Director of Stadium Development, outlined the proposals, along with colleagues Alix Craig and Richard Kenyon. Chong explained that Everton undertook a wide-ranging consultation process, and that replicating the atmosphere generated at Goodison Park was key.

The Club has been working with construction partners and engineers on how to enhance the acoustics of a new stadium and provided an example of the impact of tighter seating on atmosphere.

You can read the full article from Sports Venue Business HERE