EFC unveil new stadium images

First look: How the stadium might look

(Enlarge the image here)

Everton Football Club have revealed images of the proposed new stadium at Kirkby for the first time.

 

Club officials have handed Radio City a copy of the plans which show what could be in store for Blues supporters.

 

The new 50,000 seater ground has four stands where it’s hoped capacity can be raised to 60,000.

 

It’s based on the Cologne Stadium, used in last year’s World Cup, and designers have moved away from a bowl-shaped layout.

 

It will cost £150m and work could be completed in time for 2010.

 

Chief executive Keith Wyness revealed the details to Radio City’s Liam Blyth. Watch the interview here – click play to start the movie…

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Mr Wyness said: “We looked at the Cologne stadium in Germany and felt it had one of the best atmospheres of the World Cup stadia.

 

Above: An aerial view of the new stadium.

(Enlarge the image here)  

“That was to do with the proximity of the seats to the pitch and the four stands, giving it a very clear and exciting atmosphere with great acoustics.

 

“It also allows us the opportunity to expand by filling the corners and going up to 60,000 seats.”

 

He added: “The stadium will be in the region of £150m, which compares with the better-quality stadia built recently.

 

“We compare reasonably favourably in terms of expenditure with the stadium component of Arsenal’s Emirates development, for example.”

 

A ballot for fans to vote on the possible move was announced on Monday with around 40,000 people expected to be canvassed.

 

Chairman Bill Kenwright insists the Blues must move to continue the club’s growth.

 

He told Radio City: “I’ve spent the last 52 years coming here [to Goodison] and I’d probably spend the next 52 years coming here. But that’s not going to get your grandchildren or my grandchildren the kind of football they are going to want to watch.

 

“I believe it’s an inevitability that this club has to move to help get the finances right.”

 

He added moving out of the city boundary is not a worry: “I’ve always felt that Kirkby is a spiritual part of Liverpool, so it doesn’t affect me as it does them.”

 

Everton chief exec Keith Wyness will be live on Radio City Sport tomorrow afternoon (Saturday). We’ll be putting your questions to him – send them in below, along with your thoughts on the possible ground move – or call 0151 472 6969 and leave a message.

 


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