Liverpool gets green light to expand Anfield capacity

Liverpool have been given the green light to increase Anfield’s capacity to 61,000.

The club’s plans for a £60m expansion of their stadium were approved by Liverpool City Council on Tuesday morning and will see the Anfield Road stands grow by 7,000.

As well as the increased capacity, Liverpool’s proposal includes the development of a new family fan zone, hospitality lounges, and a range of other facilities.

As part of the planning application, the club has also been given permission to hold up to six concerts and major events – such as American and Gaelic football – at the stadium for a period of five years.

There had been some opposition to the scheme from local residents and environmental groups, who had concerns over the impact on nearby Stanley Park, but the planning committee voted 6-2 in favour.

The earliest completion date for the project is the summer of 2023 and it is expected to take 18 months.

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Work will involve rerouting the existing Anfield Road around the new development, skirting the edge of Stanley Park, and then building behind the current stand with a view to joining up the old and new structures in the close season – thereby lessening the impact on Anfield’s overall capacity.

Liverpool managing director Andy Hughes said: “This is a huge milestone in our journey towards bringing more supporters into Anfield.