Rick Parry explains:
Because the Clubs new stadium is the catalyst for a wide regeneration programme in Anfield, it has been necessary to work with Liverpool City Council, the local community and public funding agencies to put together the whole package.
Milestones have been achieved:
Barclays Spaces for Sport funding through LFC alongside monies from the city council have enabled a near-derelict sports centre to gain a new lease of life: with restored football pitches, new all-weather pitches, refurbished sports facilities and new changing rooms and a new access road. Anfield Sport and Community Centre Ltd. has been created by the Vernon Sangster Community Co. Ltd. and Anfield Youth Club to manage this facility and the Community Partnership Centre in the new stadium.
The regeneration plan for Stanley Park has been completed including the restoration of the Gladstone Conservatory, re-branded the Isla Gladstone Conservatory after the textile designer, and to be managed to maximise local employment working with a new community development trust.
All of the remaining derelict houses in Skerries Rd. have been improved by private developers and sold to local people. Liverpool City Council will be making the selection of a developer for the restoration of the houses in Rockfield on the Main Stand side of the stadium.
Liverpool City Councils funding bids to Objective 1 and the North West Development Company are in full financial and technical appraisal and other funds have been secured.
And LFC continues to be very active in the community through its Community Department coaching, school assemblies and programmes and the Reduc@te Centre.
There is still a commitment to build a new stadium in Stanley Park to accommodate 60,000 fans in quality surroundings, with newer and larger museum, tour centre, café, shop and a café. Building should commence as soon as possible after all of the pre-conditions have been completed.
