Post by gw on May 30, 2007 13:38:04 GMT -1
Everton Football Club could take a step closer to a move out of Liverpool when councillors meet in Knowsley later.
The club could build a 55,000-seater ground in a development in Kirkby town centre that will also include shops, a hotel and a Tesco supermarket.
On Wednesday, Knowsley Borough Council will decide whether to go ahead with a major consultation on the proposals.
If the cabinet approves, an event will be held in June to give the public a chance to comment on the town plans.
Knowsley Council said the development would create about 2,000 jobs in the town and boost the economy by up to £21.5m a year.
White flag
The consultation, if approved, will focus on the community's thoughts on the regeneration of Kirkby town centre.
They will be asked whether they are happy as things stand, or if they want to see more radical regeneration - such as the stadium proposal.
Everton FC said an alternative to Goodison Park would increase capacity and improve corporate facilities.
Many fans are unhappy with the proposed move four miles out of the city, with one shareholder telling last year's AGM it would be like "hoisting the white flag to Liverpool FC that they can have the city".
Chairman Bill Kenwright has said he does not want to be the "guy who moves Everton away from Goodison Park", but that remaining at the club's ageing ground was not a financial option.
The club's last plan to relocate to a 55,000-seater waterfront stadium at King's Dock, Liverpool, was abandoned in 2003.
The club could build a 55,000-seater ground in a development in Kirkby town centre that will also include shops, a hotel and a Tesco supermarket.
On Wednesday, Knowsley Borough Council will decide whether to go ahead with a major consultation on the proposals.
If the cabinet approves, an event will be held in June to give the public a chance to comment on the town plans.
Knowsley Council said the development would create about 2,000 jobs in the town and boost the economy by up to £21.5m a year.
White flag
The consultation, if approved, will focus on the community's thoughts on the regeneration of Kirkby town centre.
They will be asked whether they are happy as things stand, or if they want to see more radical regeneration - such as the stadium proposal.
Everton FC said an alternative to Goodison Park would increase capacity and improve corporate facilities.
Many fans are unhappy with the proposed move four miles out of the city, with one shareholder telling last year's AGM it would be like "hoisting the white flag to Liverpool FC that they can have the city".
Chairman Bill Kenwright has said he does not want to be the "guy who moves Everton away from Goodison Park", but that remaining at the club's ageing ground was not a financial option.
The club's last plan to relocate to a 55,000-seater waterfront stadium at King's Dock, Liverpool, was abandoned in 2003.