COVID-19: Liverpool’s £60m Anfield redevelopment delayed by 12 months

The Reds had hoped to begin work on expanding their stadium’s capacity to 61,000 before the end of 2020 but have been forced to postpone plans

Liverpool have announced that their £60 million ($75m) redevelopment of Anfield will be delayed by 12 months due to the coronavirus crisis.

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The Reds had hoped to submit planning permission this month for a proposed upgrade of the Anfield Road stand, with work slated to begin before the end of 2020.

But they have been forced to postpone those plans by at least a year due to the impact that Covid-19 is having on the construction industry. The earliest date for completion now is the summer of 2023.

the club’s chief operating officer, Andy Hughes, in an announcement on Monday said: “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 close-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.”

Hughes added: “We understand this is disappointing for many as it is for us but would like to thank all our key stakeholders, including local neighbours in Anfield, our supporters, the City Council and others for their great co-operation in the pre-planning stages. 

“Our priority remains the health and wellbeing of our people, the local community and supporters at this challenging time. Our thoughts are with all those affected by Covid-19.”

The proposed redevelopment of the Anfield Road end would see the addition of around 7,000 new seats, taking the stadium’s capacity to 61,000.

The club released the first images of their proposal last November, and have since undergone two public consultation processes with residents and local businesses, stating that much of the feedback given was “very positive.”