Goodison Park to undergo redevelopment

Major Disabled Access Plans Unveiled

Everton has unveiled a major development programme for Goodison to improve the stadium’s accessibility for disabled fans.

Works in and around the ground will commence this spring in response to regulations for accessibility agreed by the Premier League and come into affect in August 2017.

In 2015, all Premier League clubs pledged to improve their stadium facilities for disabled supporters and increase the numbers of wheelchair user spaces by August 2017, as set out in the Accessible Stadia Guidance (ASG).

Everton has drafted plans aimed at beginning the process of delivering a range of more expansive viewing options for disabled fans in order to begin to meet the requirements of the regulations. The plans for the project will be submitted to the City Council by Everton at the end of this month.

Gill Derbyshire, Head of Everton Fan Services, said: “Goodison, as one of the oldest stadiums in the country, poses unique challenges in relation to the regulations. But the stadium manager and his team have worked hard to identify solutions that help the Club begin the process of meeting the regulations and we have held a series of consultation meetings with a number of supporters groups including the Everton Disabled Supporters’ Association.

“There will be significant work taking place at the stadium this summer which will result new elevated wheelchair viewing positions as part of the project.

"We were the first Premier League club to employ a Disability Access Officer, one of the key requirements of the new standards. And we are determined to do our utmost to ensure the provision of services for our disabled fans continues to be developed and enhanced in order to improve further the match-going experience for all fans.”

The planned works will see elevated viewing positions introduced for wheelchair users. These works will be supported by improvements to amenity access and toilet facilities.

Steve Hennigan, Chairman of the Everton Disabled Supporters Association (EDSA) said: “We are so pleased that Everton are making more changes to Goodison to improve access for disabled fans. We know making the structural changes is not easy for the Club, given the age of the stadium, but they have been very supportive in listening to our views and understanding the challenges we have been having with the existing facilities. The works, once complete, will greatly improve the experience on a matchday not only for our members but also disabled home and away supporters. The changes will ensure more disabled supporters can now attend the game from our extensive disabled fan base.”

The Club is continuing to consult with key supporter groups including EDSA, the Everton Fans’ Forum, the Everton Supporters’ Trust, Level Playing Field and the Centre For Access to Football in Europe (CAFE).

The changes and modifications do mean some existing seating will be removed. All Season Ticket holders affected are being contacted by the Club and a range of relocation options will be provided.

Everton FC