STANLEY Park should become a historic football quarter in conjunction with the redevelopment of Everton’s ground, according to a leading campaign group.
Keep Everton In Our City (Keioc) secretary Colin Fitzpatrick told supporters the venture should “celebrate both football clubs” and generate vital funds for “the most deprived area in the city”.
A presentation by Keioc last night also announced a relaunch of their own organisation, renamed Keeping Everton In Our City, following opposition to the Destination Kirkby plans.
In the land between Goodison Park and Anfield, Mr Fitzpatrick called for the development of a museum, a world centre for excellence in football, sport, science and business in partnership with one of the city’s universities, as well as leisure and community facilities, alongside performance areas to host concerts.
He said public bodies should be contacted to help fund the idea, which would also include the construction of new railway stations on the existing Merseyrail line to transport fans and tourists.
Goodison Park itself would be redeveloped “incrementally”, said Keioc architectural consultant, Trevor Skempton, with an emphasis on retaining the “unique historic elements”.
Phase One and Two would see the club secure planning permission sought for a new ‘Hotel 1878’ – to service tourism generated by the football quarter – and Park End, increasing the stand’s capacity by 8,000.
The Bullens Road Stand would be redeveloped in Phase Three, including the corner with Gwladys Street, to deliver an increase of 9,000 seats, with the sacrifice of 38 houses and the reconfiguration of Gwladys Street School.
Phase Four and Five would see the Main Stand and Gwladys Street Stand refurbished and modernised.
Trevor Skempton said: “We want to offer a possibility to the club and then they should go and decide on architects and accountants.”
The plans, said to have been developed with Liverpool FC fan group, Spirit of Shankly, will be presented to Everton FC shareholders next Monday.
