Liverpool FC and Everton FC fans launch Football Quarter proposals
A VISION for a Football Quarter celebrating both Liverpool and Everton clubs was set to be unveiled today.
In a rare move, fans from the Red and Blue halves of the city were joining forces this morning to outline their dream to develop 40 acres of land around the Anfield and Goodison stadiums.
Today, supporters of the scheme, intended to revitalise a large area of L4, called on the city's key businesses and stakeholders to support the blueprints which could deliver a huge regeneration boost to a part of deprived north Liverpool.
If the Football Quarter was to become a reality, key Stanley Park development would include:
A large-scale open-air venue suitable for use as a Fan Zone on match days – and exhibitions and other sporting events on non-match days;
A Park-and-Ride system to and from Walton and the city centre;
A football museum celebrating “the most successful football city in England”;
Improved rail links using the Bootle to Edge Hill line;
New hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants within the Football Quarter.
The proposals also include a pedestrian link between the stadiums and Football Quarter hub and an education base or centre of excellence to link up with the city’s three universities.
The two MPs for Walton and Bootle, Steve Rotheram and Joe Benton, said in a statement ahead of the launch: "The areas around Anfield and Goodison Park are recognised as among the most deprived in the UK while, at the same time, the communities there are characterised by their unique spirit, tenacity, warmth and entrepreneurial potential.
"We have a collective duty to ensure the areas in the vicinity of both Anfield and Goodison Park capitalise on the regeneration potential and reflect the world-renowned status of both clubs.”
A 28-page prospectus was due to be unveiled today.
It has already been sent to both Liverpool and Everton football clubs, the city council and other agencies such as Liverpool Vision.
Supporters now need businesses and stakeholders to throw their financial weight behind the scheme and put forward capital which could turn the Football Quarter vision into a reality.
The idea of a football zone has been outlined before.
But this is the first time supporters’ groups from both clubs have publicly come together to present an official prospectus.
In 2010 fans group Keep Everton In Our City (KEIOC) presented the idea to Goodison management who expressed tentative support for the proposals and stated their desire to see more of supporters' ideas.
There was no response from LFC – then run by ousted owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Today's launch will be chaired by ex-radio presenter Liam Fogarty with invited guests including Peter Lupson, author of Across the Park, and Peter Hooton, lead singer of The Farm, who will deliver a short presentation.
KEIOC has teamed up with Anfield supporters union Spirit of Shankly to launch the prospectus, in a bid to encourage the redevelopment of this part of Walton.
KEIOC’s Colin Fitzpatrick said: “Both sets of fans have suffered with the lack of activity on the stadium front for some decades now. In the past, fans from both sides of the city have come together at times of adversity.
"This is the first time the two groups have united and used the talent within their fan base to pursue a joint venture like this. The clubs and the council are listening to us."
KEIOC and Spirit of Shankly said they were acutely aware the council was unable to find the necessary finance for their brainchild, due to severe budget cuts.
Dr Paul Gardner, spokesman for Spirit of Shankly, said: “This is an area characterised by beautiful and historical Victorian parkland, anchored by two great clubs with magnificent 21st Century football stadia.
"The Football Quarter will reflect their unique histories and presence in world football and transform the lives of thousands of fans living in some of the most deprived parts of the UK.”
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