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Football Quarter may get special status

The concept of a Football Quarter for Everton and Liverpool could be given special city status, possibly in the form of a Business Improvement District or a Mayoral Development Zone.

Council bosses have discussed the feasibility of unveiling a designated Business Improvement District for the proposed 40-acre zone in Stanley Park between the two stadiums.

While talks are currently in the ?ideas? stage, indications are that town hall chiefs believe an approved business district award could help the initiative's cause.

Under the scheme, clustered firms pay up to 2% of their rates to a specially-created group that spends the cash on improvement projects in their areas that can include safety, events, marketing or green issues.

Also suggested was the possibility of a Football Quarter becoming part of a Mayoral Development Zone after the May election.

Council leader Joe Anderson — the favourite for Mayor — has backed the scheme, which includes a ?fanzone? venue, football museum, hotels, bars, restaurants, and pedestrian links between Anfield and Goodison Park.

Colin Fitzpatrick, from KEIOC, said: ?We have been having meetings since we launched the project just after Christmas. The council, Liverpool Vision and Mersey Partnership appear to be solidly behind what we are suggesting. We would welcome any ideas of how funding could be attracted to the Football Quarter and backing from agencies in the region.?

The quarter plans, set out in a 28-page prospectus, include a possible park-and-ride link between Walton and the city centre.

Crucial to the idea is investment from private companies and support from city agencies to give it financial backiing. So far, Liverpool and Everton football clubs have remained non-committal.

A Liverpool council spokesman said: ?This is still in the very early stages, but there is a possibility we could look at the Football Quarter being a Business Improvement District. We are looking at a number of options.?

A Mersey Partnership spokesman added: ?Football is a massive part of the city visitor economy, particularly with Scandinavians and Europeans.

?Home matches at Anfield and Goodison are lucrative dates for the region, as they have a knock-on benefit with hotel occupancy.?

Ian McCarthy, director of programmes of Liverpool Vision, welcomed the ?supporters-led? initiative.

He said: ?We met the groups who have developed the proposal and are supportive of the concept. It has been accepted for many years that the economic and employment potential of the two football clubs in such close proximity, is not being exploited.

?The wider city and particularly the local area would benefit from an improved environment, better accessibility and extended visitor offer, both on match days and during the week when considerable numbers visit the stadiums.?

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Echo

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