Everton have released further details of their proposed new stadium by revealing that the club will pay for the move to Bramley Moore Dock in full in the shape of an expected 40-year lease while underlining their commitments to building a new home as atmospheric and intense as Goodison Park.
In March it was announced that the Blues had received the go-ahead to purchase the land by the River Mersey waterfront from Peel and a financial package was given the green light by Liverpool City Council.
Regarding the latest update, chief executive Robert Elstone said: “Since revealing we had agreed the principles of a deal with Peel for the purchase of the land at Bramley Moore Dock and an agreement with Liverpool City Council on a funding structure, the club has received many positive comments from fans and residents across the city.
“I’d like to thank you all for your support so far. I’d also like to reiterate our gratitude to Liverpool Mayor, Joe Anderson, Ged Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council and their colleagues for their support in what could be a game-changer - not just for Everton, but for the city of Liverpool.
“In return for that support, the city will benefit not only from an annual cash sum that will contribute to vital local services across Liverpool, but a city-wide boost from new jobs, new businesses and wider community benefits kick-started by the developments at both Bramley Moore Dock and Goodison Park.”
Everton's funding of the stadium has come under scrutiny but Elstone has revealed that although Liverpool City Council will provide assistance in obtaining the loan needed, the Blues will ultimately finance the project in full themselves.
He said: “Whilst the Council is lending valuable support, it is important to stress that the club is paying for the stadium in full. We will pay for our new home with a long-term lease, likely to be 40 years.
“At the end of this time, the club will take sole ownership of the stadium. These two big steps forward were critical for the project to progress.
“They give us the confidence to proceed with the next phase of our work - the work required to define, in much greater detail, what the stadium will look like and the exciting role it will play in the future aspirations of the club.
“This phase of work will require substantial investment from the club, highlighting just how committed we all are to the success of the project.”
There has also been much debate over what capacity the new stadium should be. Renowned US architect Dan Meis is believed to be the man tasked with designing the stadium and the ECHO understands that a template of 50,000 has provisionally been worked upon.
Elstone said: “We have reason to be confident on capacity. As evidenced this season, Everton remains as ambitious as ever and will continue to challenge for a place in the Champions League.
“And, also, right now we have 10,000 prospective Season Ticket holders waiting for the release of around 3,000 seats, so we’re confident that we can fill a considerably bigger stadium.
“There is a lot of work still to be done, but this aspiration sits alongside our commitments to building a stadium as atmospheric and intense as Goodison Park, and to retaining our commitment to affordable pricing.”
He added: “Ensuring that the new stadium makes commercial sense and securing the finance are crucial next steps. And, as you would appreciate, only when these elements are in place can we move forward.
“The economics are not the only remaining challenge but the progress made in recent weeks means we are moving forward with confidence, and backing up that confidence with substantial financial commitments to the next phases of work that are now underway.
“Like every Evertonian, we want this to happen and you should be assured that all of us – the Chairman, Farhad, The Board and myself – we will do all we can to bring this unique opportunity to life. Our commitment to the project is full and resolute.”
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