News

Scoring success with projects for Liverpool FC

Acting as trusted advisors to the Club, we have worked with Liverpool FC on a number of projects over the past five years. Most recently we have advised on the expansion of the Anfield Road Stand, and successfully secured planning permission for the development of a new world class training ground in Kirkby.

Anfield Road Stand expansion

Acting on behalf of LFC, we recently submitted a planning application to Liverpool City Council for the proposed expansion of the Anfield Road Stand. Experts in our Planning, Strategic Communications, EIA, Heritage & Townscape, Economics and Sustainability teams have been working with the club on the application which is expected to be decided in Spring 2021.

The plans propose increasing the capacity of the Anfield Road stand by around 7,000 seats, taking the stadium’s overall capacity to over 61,000. The application also seeks permanent permission to hold concerts and major events at the stadium.

Turley has supported LFC on the public consultation which has taken part in two stages. The first stage, launched 12 months ago, included the permanent closure of a small section of Anfield Road, in line with the original planning permission granted in 2014. After listening to feedback on this option the club made changes to the plans.

A second stage of consultation was held in February 2020, during which the club presented new and updated plans. This included plans to keep Anfield Road open, with the road realigned around the footprint of the proposed expanded stand. Over 700 responses were received to the consultation and the revised plans were well received, with the vast majority of respondents expressing support for the plans.

AXA Training Centre

We provided Planning and Strategic Communication services for the newly opened AXA Training Centre in Kirkby. The opening of the centre, on 17 November 2020, was commemorated by the installation of a steel time capsule at the visitor’s entrance.

Bringing together two sites, the new ground provides a facility befitting of the club’s elite status and improved sports facilities for the community. The combined first team and under 23s facility includes three full-size pitches, indoor facilities, two gyms, pool and a specialist sports rehabilitation suite.

Alongside providing planning support, we worked closely with LFC’s team on the public engagement, liaising with the local community and key stakeholders to ensure maximum local support.

For more information on our work with Liverpool Football Club, please contact Emma Dickson or Michael Clare.

11 January 2020