Liverpool to upgrade Anfield stadium risking wrath of the neighbourhood

Liverpool intend to expand Anfield into a 60,000-seater stadium

Liverpool have recently unveiled the plan to upgrade the Anfield stadium and increase its capacity from 45,525 to 60,000. This move has caused unrest amongst the landlords owning properties which are set to be demolished near the ground as part of the project.

The upgradation plan for Anfield is part of a £260m, council-led regeneration scheme for the area, which also includes a hotel, shops, offices and new public spaces. The restoration and redevelopment of nearby Stanley Park is also included in the project.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre at the launch of the plan last night described it as “an important step towards transforming the area for the better”. He also said that “it was a milestone as we seek to investigate the feasibility of expanding the Anfield stadium.”

It has been reported that Liverpool are progressing well with their redevelopment plans as 22 of the 30 properties around the stadium have already been purchased.

However, it seems that everyone is not happy with the scheme as some landowners around the region have accused the Merseyside club of deliberately running the area down from the mid-1990s by buying up houses in the neighbouring streets and leaving them empty. It has been said that out of the 72 houses in the area earmarked for redevelopment, 51 have already been bought and there are deals in place for 13 others. For the remaining eight there is no deal in place.

One property-owner claimed he had lost £500,000 in rent over the years because he could not find tenants for the houses he owns near the stadium, and his properties were now derelict. He said that he would not sell without significant compensation for years of blight in the area.

Source : The Week