Everton looks at move outside Liverpool

English Everton is looking at developing a 55,000-seat stadium and shopping and hotel complex in Kirkby.

Included in the design are the stadium, shops, hotel and Tesco supermarket.

The Knowsley Borough Council will meet Wednesday with the decision on whether to have a major consultation of the project on the agenda. If approved, the public would have an opportunity in June to air its views on the project.

The council said the plan could create about 2,000 jobs and add GBP 21.5 million annually to the local economy. From Everton's point of view, a new park would mean a larger capacity and the ability to improve and upgrade stadium amenities.

That has not played well with all fans, who don't want to see the club move four miles outside Liverpool. One shareholder at last season's AGM felt a move out of the city would be the equivalent of surrendering the town to Liverpool FC.

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 current ground is not a viable 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.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.