The planned expansion to Liverpool FC’s Anfield Road stand has been delayed by at least 12 months because of the covid-19 lockdown.
Liverpool is planning to expand the stand to a capacity of around 61,000 during an 18-month build.
But the complex project must be completed between seasons. As a result of the delays caused by the coronavirus lockdown, the club said, the earliest project completion is now summer 2023. The original target was summer 2022.
The club began a two-stage consultation with local residents, groups and businesses, and supporters in November last year and aimed to submit its planning application in spring 2020.
The club said in a statement: “On reviewing the delays that the covid-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have for the foreseeable future, coupled with the high levels of uncertainty in the construction industry, it is with regret that the club has paused its proposal to expand the Anfield Road stand for at least 12 months. The earliest target date for completion is now summer 2023.”
Liverpool FC’s chief operating officer, Andy Hughes, added: “We have experienced a number of delays to the planned project as a direct result of the COVID-19 lockdown. Given the challenges that many sectors are facing right now, including the construction, procurement and public sectors, we are taking a responsible approach to pause the project for at least 12 months.
“The complex build programme for Anfield Road is an 18-month process and needs two clear summer closed season windows in order for it to be successful. This is why we are pausing on the project for at least 12 months so the earliest we could complete the programme is summer 2023 rather than summer 2022 as originally planned. Given the planning application is no longer time-critical, it is our intention to submit our planning application at some stage during the next 12 months.
“We will use this period to review and consider options. When the football calendar and the wider delays to the construction and supply chain industries begin to plateau, we will provide further updates.”
