STADIAWORLD | SPORTS VENUES 2019/20

82    |   SPORTS VENUES 2019/20 www.stadiaworld.com CONSTRUCTION REPORT STADIAWORLD: Why is it necessary for Everton to build a new stadium? Chong: It has been the Club’s ambition for many years to deliver a new stadium and we have pursued several options over the last decade. Goodison Park has been our home for nearly 127 years and although it means so much to us as Evertonians, we can all acknowledge that it is a stadium with many limitations. Fundamentally the stadium is landlocked, surrounded by housing on three sides, which prohib- its redevelopment. Within the stadium, even though all our Premier League home fixtures continue to be sell-outs, we have more than 40% of seats suffering from re- stricted or obstructed views and very little room to expand our popular and sold-out hospitality offer. STADIAWORLD: Could you explain the time schedule for the project? Chong: It’s nearly three years since we identified Bramley-Moore Dock as a po- tential site for our new home. Since then, a great deal of work has been done includ- ing the appointment of architects, who continue to develop potential designs, commissioning engineers and advisors, en- gagement with our supporters, liaison with heritage groups – as the dock sits within a World Heritage Site, various modelling tests on the site including wind and pedes- trian modelling, confirmation of the opti- mum capacity of our stadium (52,000 with the potential of rising to 62,000) and ongo- ing conversations with potential funders. We published a broad project timeline last October, where we identified a timeframe for our public consultation and when we will be aiming to submit a planning application. In terms of construction, we estimate that the development of the stadium will take approximately three years from when we are allowed to access the site following approval of planning permission and putting a ’spade in the ground’ to the first ball being kicked. STADIAWORLD: What are the advan- tages of moving into a new stadium? Chong: We have high ambitions here at Everton. In order to fulfil those ambitions and to be a modern and progressive club that is challenging for domestic and Euro- pean honours, we need the facilities and resources that will allow us to compete on and off the pitch. A new stadium will offer Evertonians a bet- ter matchday experience with state-of-the- art facilities and no restricted or obstructed views. The increase in capacity will allow more fans to enjoy Everton fixtures both in the stands and within our new lounges. The increase in our hospitality offering will allow us to look at new lounge themes and flexible concepts offering Evertonians and businesses a new offer in our region. During engagement with our supporters they iden- “We have high ambitions here at Everton” Everton Football Club is planning to build a new stadium on a world heritage site with new and bigger options for the club. Colin Chong, Stadium Development Director of the Liverpool-based club, spoke to STADIAWORLD about the project. The current home of Everton Football Club, Goodison Park, can not be redeveloped. Colin Chong Picture: Everton FC