Stonebridge Cross put forward as alternative to Walton Hall Park

, 12 February, 53comments  |  Jump to most recent
Citing concerns over the proposed development of Walton Hall Park, Liverpool Green Party have suggested the vacant land at Stonebridge Cross off Gillmoss Lane as a potential alternative site for Everton's new stadium.

Together with Liverpool Council, the club are exploring the possibility of building a new ground on Walton Hall Park as part of a regenerative scheme that would also include new housing and leisure facilities.

A study commissioned by Everton, Liverpool Mutual Homes and the Council claim that the park, close to the Blues' current Goodison Park home, is “underused” compared to other city parks.

Local Green Party leader, Cllr John Coyne, has, however, voiced his opposition to building on public parks and posits that Stonebridge Cross, which “contains a 50-acre site of vacant land”, would be a more suitable location for Everton's new development.

Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, cited by the Echo as a cabinet member for regeneration, explained that the site has been earmarked for a large distribution centre at the location and that the Gillmoss site is one Everton have looked into and rejected before.

Online retail giant Amazon had plans to build a warehouse at the site but reportedly pulled out in 2012 in favour of Wales. It is not clear if they have revived their interest in the location.

“Stonebridge Cross was one of a number of sites considered as part of a detailed and thorough city-wide search to relocate Everton Football Club," Kennedy said, "but it was discounted three years ago as there were other plans for it at the time.

“Since then we have brought forward significant regeneration plans for the site supported by the council and local community leaders which mean we can't use this site even if we wanted to.

“We now have planning permission for a large distribution warehouse which has the potential for many hundreds of jobs, and have re-routed the River Alt, creating a new 20-acre park.

“The intention of any scheme at Walton Hall Park would be to have a smaller but better quality park with improved community facilities, together with all of the associated benefits such as jobs that a major regeneration scheme would bring.”

 

Reader Comments (53)

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Colin Glassar
1 Posted 12/02/2015 at 19:27:48
Why am I not surprised? Surely some geek will come along and say Stonebridge Cross is home to a unique and endangered worm. Only Everton, only Everton.

FFS, IÂ’m still waiting for the Park End project to happen.

John Raftery
2 Posted 12/02/2015 at 19:47:34
No chance.
John Keating
3 Posted 12/02/2015 at 19:50:23
And so it begins!

Wrapped up in red tape for years.

Let's just revamp Goodison and have done with it

Tony Marsh
4 Posted 12/02/2015 at 20:12:41
It's almost as bad an idea as Kirkby. Miles from the City center, a ball ache to get to and in a very grubby industrial area as well.

Why cant we get sensible ideas put forward? Somewere that connects us to the city center and good transport links?

Karl Masters
7 Posted 13/02/2015 at 00:14:00
The obvious thing to do is, and always has been, redevelop Goodison. The area around the stadium has seen better days and expanding the footprint would be relatively cheap and straightforward now.

Without wishing to be rude to the local inhabitants, you really wouldn't miss most of the buildings directly around the place apart from the Church and the Winslow. Why not regenerate that part of Walton in the same way as Kensington at the bottom of Edge Lane and in the process give Goodison scope to expand?

That area needs it far more than Walton Hall Park. With the money coming in off the TV deal the club should now be able to do what it should have started twenty years ago.

Brian Wilkinson
8 Posted 13/02/2015 at 03:24:16
Nice to see the Green party get involved, is this the same party that said naff all when Liverpool City Council, gave their blessing on the darksides proposed bid, to build on Stanley Park.

Seems everytime Everton try to relocate,we come up with obsticles, yet if the darkside proposed to knock down the Liver buildings and surrounding area, Liverpool City Council would give their blessing.

I for one think that was one of the reasons Everton tried Kirkby to get away from the City and chance their luck under Knowsley.

Jackie Barry
9 Posted 13/02/2015 at 04:08:00
You gotta Love Kenny!
Dave Lynch
10 Posted 13/02/2015 at 08:47:59
All part of the great plan to get Everton out of the city boundries and have a one club city.
Dennis Stevens
11 Posted 13/02/2015 at 09:18:42
A phased redevelopment of Goodison Park, possibly on an expanded footprint, is the way forward & the club really have no excuse now.
Nick Page
12 Posted 13/02/2015 at 09:45:28
As far as I'm concerned the whole thing is a ruse and we always fall for it. They have no intention of moving/spending money etc etc. 24/7/365...utter crap.
Gary Mortimer
13 Posted 13/02/2015 at 11:17:00
Aha - It's season ticket renewal time. I always forget, but the talk of new stadium or possible investors always provide a nice timely reminder.
Clive Rogers
14 Posted 13/02/2015 at 11:37:14
This board have not moved forward in 16 years so why should they start now?
Brian Swift
15 Posted 13/02/2015 at 11:41:30
Seeing Liverpool have already got planning permission to build on Stanley Park, and are now not taking up the option, why can't Everton just move in and take their place?
Tony Draper
16 Posted 13/02/2015 at 11:45:45
Brian @15

Completely agree. I have long thought exactly the same myself. However, where our thinking falls down entirely is that it makes perfect sense.

Guy Hastings
18 Posted 13/02/2015 at 12:51:59
I know Amazon are big but needing all of Wales for a warehouse is a bit over the top.
Paddy Howlin
19 Posted 13/02/2015 at 13:02:36
The most obvious destination (and has been available for 20+ years) is Edge Lane. It meets all the criteria:

- Transport links a plenty both road and rail;
- Area in need of urgent regeneration;
- Available land;
- In the City and close to its centre;
- Prime site for retail and leisure facilities to help fund the purchase of a new ground/generate revenue;
- No obvious planning restrictions.

All so obvious it makes you wonder if we are serious about relocating at all or if LCC genuinely want to help.

Personally I've given up on any move happening in my lifetime with this board in charge. They just haven't got the skill, ability or appetite to raise the funds to make this a reality.

However if it was to happen Edge Lane would be ideal IMO.

Helen Mallon
20 Posted 13/02/2015 at 13:10:36
Without sounding horrible. Nobody wants to put money into developing Goodison Park. But money houses will put money into a new ground with corporate boxes and a new hotel and all the trimmings that go with modern football today. Walton Hall Park should be our new home and for once let’s get behind it from the start.

I am sick of hearing the transport links are poor or trade around ground will suffer. They can get premises by the new ground. Maybe we might even be bought. But please don’t let this drag on and on, I would love a new ground.

John Zapa
21 Posted 13/02/2015 at 16:10:31
This board will NEVER deliver a new stadium.
Ian Burns
22 Posted 13/02/2015 at 18:22:22
Paddy - 19 - great shout and excellent points.

I wish.

Mike Dolan
23 Posted 13/02/2015 at 18:20:56
Brilliant idea, build a stadium in the middle of nowhere. What a concept not enough people to support a Tesco so maybe we could build a corner shop. It would be so empty that we probably wouldn't need stands so that would save a lot of money. Maybe we could do a shared place with Ormskirk FC. Brilliant.
Colin Malone
24 Posted 13/02/2015 at 19:53:32
Goodison Park, if not Scotland road is the perfect site, Its in Everton area, right by town for transport and entertainment. Sainsbury are part of the regeneration of the area [ Project Jennifer ], Ideal. Is that wholesale place still open?
Mike Chambers
25 Posted 14/02/2015 at 08:34:45
Until the club is run like business and not by a group of supporters who donÂ’t have any real money, we wonÂ’t move forward.

Sell the club, Kenwright. LetÂ’s move with the times.

Richard Reeves
26 Posted 14/02/2015 at 12:39:59
We should re-develop Goodison Park with a wrap around of the main stand. Second choice would be Waterloo Road, the area opposite Regent Street and Porter Street... but nothing is going to happen, we all know that.
Paul Burns
27 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:08:34
ThereÂ’s a massive plot on the Clarence Dock, 10 minutes from the city centre and not far from the Northern Line. No housing in the area which is predominantly derelict so canÂ’t see too many complaints.

Only problem is I think itÂ’s owned by Peel Holdings who may have plans but nothing seems to be happening and IÂ’m sure they would negotiate with a serious party(!)

Colin Glassar
28 Posted 14/02/2015 at 18:19:09
I'm edging (pardon the pun) towards the Edge Lane option (see Eddie Howlin above). GP redevelopment is a no-goer as far as can I see.
John Keating
29 Posted 15/02/2015 at 10:08:19
There has been as many reports to advise that the redevelopment of Goodison is achievable. The fact is that the present board don't give a shit!

Redevelopment is the cheapest option, it's – in my opinion – the best option... it just needs the arseholes in the boardroom to commit!

Steve Carse
30 Posted 15/02/2015 at 10:17:47
Colin (28), maybe you've just not been looking hard enough.

John (29), it's not a question of a Board just needing to commit – they simply don't want to do it. They (and the mysterious figures behind them) recognise that to get their rewards they will be far better, and more quickly, served through a new stadium.

Colin Glassar
31 Posted 15/02/2015 at 10:24:44
Paddy, what part of Edge Lane are you talking about? More towards Kenny or Broadgreen?
John Keating
32 Posted 15/02/2015 at 10:23:11
Steve,
I appreciate that. The fact is the board want max returns on their investment – little as it was! But as regards to us, the supporters, to stay at Goodison and to slowly over 3 to 4 seasons achieve what we all want is 100 percent doable! These toss pots just need to commit and with the Sky money get on with it!
Darren Hind
33 Posted 15/02/2015 at 10:22:55
John Zapa #21

In a nutshell

Rob Halligan
34 Posted 15/02/2015 at 10:52:37
Colin, I think the site where the Old Littlewoods building is would be the site on Edge Lane.
Colin Glassar
35 Posted 15/02/2015 at 11:43:48
Gotcha Rob, that wouldn't be bad. As Paddy said, it ticks all the boxes.

As for the redevelopment of GP, yes I'd love to see that but the neighbours would raise high hell and that could drag on for years and years.

Tony Marsh
36 Posted 15/02/2015 at 12:00:05
Rob @34... The Old Littlewoods building on Edge Lane cannot be knocked down as it is now an Art Deco type listed building. There are plans in place to turn it into a hotel and leisure facility so that's a none starter.
Kevin Tully
37 Posted 15/02/2015 at 11:59:39
I have to hand it to our board, here we are talking about a new ground. Does anyone actually believe they didn't know the objections to building on green space would scupper any chance of a new stadium being built there?

Tesco are closing 300 stores, so that will rule out any chance of a big supermarket chain funding a new ground for Bill and chums. Where is Terry Leahy these days, I wonder? Wasn't he the club's advisor regarding this move?

The Council had to put forward their plans for regeneration in Liverpool, so that's the main driver behind this latest load of old cobblers.

Every Evertonian is being played like an old violin again, so I really do hold a grudging admiration for our board. They should hire themselves out to the main political parties for the upcoming general election, they have fooled hundreds of thousands for years now – just look the above thread!

They have absolutely no intention of building a new stadium. Remember the IT problems that were holding up the new Park End development? The same people are in charge FFS!

Mind you, they have placed some lovely photo's around the perimeter of Goodison Park over the past 20 years, what do you people want?

I am only waiting for 'Alan Williams' to turn up on this thread now. Then we will have a full house.

Philip Bunting
38 Posted 15/02/2015 at 12:17:19
Bootle south recreation ground, anyone?... looks big enough
Paul Andrews
39 Posted 15/02/2015 at 12:32:18
We can only hope the new Sky deal will attract a buyer. That is the only way we will get a new stadium.

Zero chance of a new stadium under this chairman and board.

Andrew Sell
40 Posted 15/02/2015 at 14:22:13
Goodison redevelopment if money no object – what Evertonian would not prefer that to anything else?

But, given we have Walton Hall Park as an ongoing, live, advanced developing project and way more likely to succeed than the RS plans on Stanley Park (And they were given the go ahead despite historic covenants, massive opposition etc) and given the new TV deal, relaxed planning laws and backed by Liverpool Council, I'm amazed people are bringing up the likes of Edge Lane or Bootle as late alternatives. It would be awful as an alternative to staying close by within Walton – and don't get me started about Stonebridge Cross... that would be just as bad as Kirkby.

Tony Draper
41 Posted 15/02/2015 at 14:50:06
Paddy @19
Ian @22
Colin @28
Rob @34

As I originally Posted 11/02/2015 at 18:25:41 on "Kenwright now or never" thread.

"It is my understanding that as it currently stands Gwladys St School will not continue to meet the modern required standards (much like GP). There is a statutory requirement upon LCC to provide a school for the locality. IF this really is so then surely there must be some "mutually acceptable" deal to be done ?
Possibly this is behind the "proposal" to build "New Goodison" in Walton Hall Park.

Personally, I quite like the WHP location, but really still want a properly redeveloped GP. Being the worlds first purpose built football stadium means a great deal to me as a slice of our heritage.

Some time back I did think that the "Innovation Park" site on Edge Lane was absolutely ideal, because it has:
2 railway stations (Wavertree Technology Park & Edge Hill)
M62 5 mins away
Major arterial routes
Large expanse of non-residential surrounds
Is in/close by the L8 and Kensington regeneration zones
And would certainly qualify for EU "Derelict Land Grant" as an ex industrial (brownfield) site.

But despite everything, I still want a redeveloped Goodison Park and I always will."

Paul Burns
42 Posted 15/02/2015 at 15:21:49
IÂ’m not interested in being out by the M62, itÂ’s a discredited concept being on the edge of cities, the idea is to keep the spending power of the crowd in the city plus we have the biggest walk up crowd in the country.

Let the willies travel in to the city, donÂ’t cater for them at our expense.

Gavin Ramejkis
43 Posted 15/02/2015 at 16:03:54
Stonebridge Cross may as well be Kirkby all over again. A barren field in the middle of nowhere without existing transport infrastructure to support significant volumes. There are obvious reasons why sites such as these are more suited as a factory site and little more.

Either way, nothing will happen, it's Kenwright o'clock – season ticket renewal time. (Speaking of which, how long before renewals appear before half-season ticket sales? FFS... it's February!!) So it's time for some ground move fairy tales and, three guesses... some squillionaire takeover rumours.

Ian McDowell
44 Posted 15/02/2015 at 16:12:05
Are we ever going to find a site? Let alone build the bloody thing.
Colin Glassar
45 Posted 15/02/2015 at 16:52:23
There's a good spec in cloud cuckoo land. It's right next to BK's bungalow.
Brian Wilkinson
46 Posted 16/02/2015 at 17:11:20
I have been told by good sources,that a new invester and unbelievable new ground is in advanced stages and will blow the kecks off us.

An updated four page leaflet will be despached along with a season ticket renewal form.

Ive e long stood in the boys pen, this new develepment will blow those good old days away.

Keep the faith and remember to fill out your season ticket renewal forms.

Ray Roche
47 Posted 16/02/2015 at 17:20:30
Brian, are you Bill Kenwright in disguise?
Joe Foster
48 Posted 16/02/2015 at 17:27:25
Brian will it look like thunderbirds Tracey island? That would blow kecks off
Liam Reilly
49 Posted 17/02/2015 at 10:18:06
Brian (#46), Is this the same New Investor now looking at that Premier League stalwart: Swansea?

I'd like to believe you but there's been too many false dawns on this site; especially at Season Ticket renewal time.

Christine Foster
50 Posted 17/02/2015 at 10:46:04
Simply put: No.

Tony Marsh, short and to the point. It's a stone's throw to Kirkby with even less facilities than that had.

Tell them to stick it where the sun doesn't shine, Bill.

Or tell you what: let's have a vote....

Phil Walling
51 Posted 17/02/2015 at 10:56:38
Kevin, I think I read that Terry Leahy is now Chairman of B&M Discount Stores. How the mighty have fallen!
Christine Foster
52 Posted 17/02/2015 at 10:54:08
What are the council drivers in all this?

Regeneration only works with EU funds so the current land basically has to be worthless as it stands to qualify. Land closer to the city has potential value to speculators and LCC are as mercenary as any council, they have to be given the reduction in funding they face. So that means nothing is given to the club of any reasonable location because the council are still left with poor undeveloped land in poor locations.

News flash.... They are helping themselves off the back of regeneration projects funded in part by the EU by offering land outside city limits and poorly facilitated. It's the reason they have stood empty for years. Nobody wants to go there.

Scotland Road, Netherfield Road, Great Homer Street and Walton are our home. Aside the Mersey should have been... but we missed the ferry....

Andrew Ellams
53 Posted 17/02/2015 at 11:16:40
The redevelopment of Goodison will never happen because the major shareholders wouldn't be able to line their pockets with the pennies of whichever organisation we go into league with on this project.

Phil Walling, Terry Leahy is no fool. Watch B&M grow into the next Aldi.

Colin Glassar
54 Posted 17/02/2015 at 11:39:50
This is all Fantasy Island isn’t it? I can just see Bill and Bob shouting, "The plane, the plane."
Brian Wilkinson
55 Posted 18/02/2015 at 17:53:49
It's rumoured to be built on a disused island, Fantasy Island so my sources say, Sammy Lee lookalike just waiting for the investors to land, before he can ring his bell: "It's the plane, Bill, it's the plane."
Brian Wilkinson
56 Posted 18/02/2015 at 17:58:20
Beat me to it Colin, great minds think alike.

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