QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Who says North Liverpool needs a regeneration scheme?
Liverpool has seen significant investment and economic growth over the last 10 years, and the major new developments in the city centre and the waterfront reflect this. The benefits of these schemes have led to improvements on some parts of the city, but there remain areas where significant social and economic challenges remain. Liverpool City Council and Sefton MBC produced a Strategic Regeneration Framework for North Liverpool and South Sefton in recognition of the high priority to bring forward developments.
The statistics highlight the need for major intervention due to the significant pockets of deprivation across North Liverpool, which are evident through high claimant rates, low skills and prevalence of crime. At 7.1%, the claimant rate in the local area is significantly higher than the national average (2.9%) and across the whole of Liverpool (5.3%). Around 40% of the local area falls within the 1% most deprived places in the country. The crime rate of 9.6 offences per 1,000 population is significantly higher than the Merseyside average (8.5) and the national average (7.9), with anti-social behaviour being the most prevalent offence. These socio-economic factors have a significant impact on the quality of life of local residents.
It is possible that the scheme could include schools, universities and health centres in addition to new homes and sports and leisure facilities – all of which have been proven to support regeneration.
Who would be paying for this?
The partners are currently working on a funding model to deliver the regeneration scheme and the new stadium - Everton Football Club has made a commitment to make funds available and this will act as the catalyst for the overall scheme development.
How many and what type of jobs could they be?
A key objective of the regeneration scheme is the creation of employment opportunities which will have a direct effect on the local communities and across the city. A development which encompasses a new stadium, commercial, leisure and educational facilities could create in excess of 1,000 permanent new jobs. In addition, there will be significant job creation during the constructions phases.
Both operational and construction jobs would offer the potential for both entry level positions to local people, including those who may currently be unemployed, as well as the potential for career progression.
What could be the implications for transport and accessibility?
Transport and access to the site will be an important consideration and the Council and the Club are committed to ensuring that the site is accessible while respecting the needs of the local community.
While the area around Walton Hall Park is already a key access route to the existing stadium, a full range of transport initiatives will be considered including making the area better served by public transport.
A full transport and access study will be undertaken with Liverpool City Council and this will ensure suitable measures and initiatives are proposed.
What kind of housing could there be and how many homes?
The number and type of homes that may be provided will depend upon housing demand in the area and the more detailed plans that will be developed in consultation with the local community.
What kind of leisure and retail could there be?
A key part of the regeneration objective is to create a destination which is attractive to local residents and visitors outside of match days. A stadium-led development which provides new homes, new jobs, shops and leisure, education opportunities and high quality recreation and sports facilities would create a transformational scheme for a long-term sustainable regeneration scheme.
Any plans for retail and leisure facilities that are put forward will be worked out in consultation with all partners and community groups. Although nothing has been determined, the vision is that the scheme will be mainly focussed on new and upgraded leisure facilities as well as food, commercial and some retail units.
How could the park be enhanced through this development?
Walton Hall Park comprises over 120 acres of open space and contains some well-regarded community uses. In comparison to other parks in the city however, it remains underutilised and there is a significant opportunity to get more people using the park. There is potential to redevelop the park so that the resulting facilities are better quality and more inclusive for the local community.
Linking the park to the neighbouring housing market and community to physically improve the surrounding housing estates and their environment will also be a consideration.
Any development will re-provide the facilities currently available and utilised at Walton Hall Park, providing new accommodation for the Lifestyles Leisure Centre and Liverpool Soccer Centre, along with children’s play spaces and sports pitches.
What could happen to Goodison Park?
Everton Football Club and Liverpool City Council are planning to work with the community around Goodison Park in due course, to consider the best future use of this space, should the opportunity progress.
What could the stadium look like within the overall development?
The Club will consult with its fan base through a series of fan events and the local community before taking any designs forward. The intention would be to retain some of the best characteristics of Goodison Park in any new stadium environment.
What's the next stage?
We will be conducting a range of engagement activities before taking any plans forward. Information will be distributed through this site, the media and by newsletters to the local community in due course. We would encourage you to get involved with one of our events or contact us with any suggestions you may have.
How can I have my say?
If you have a question or comment that has not been addressed above, please contact us using the form in the
Get Involvedsection.
