Two Champions League final appearances in row have increased demand to see Jurgen Klopp’s side and Liverpool have announced an ambitious plan that will see Anfield redeveloped again to increase its capacity to more than 60,000.
Anfield’s capacity stands at 54,074 following the £115million main stand project, which was completed in 2016.
Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, have been looking at ways to get more fans inside the stadium and first raised the prospect of redeveloping the Anfield Road end when they lodged their planning application to renovate the main stand.
However, Liverpool had the potential to take it to over 58,000 had they stuck to their plans, which are due to expire next month.
But they allowed that planning permission to lapse as FSG want to take Anfield beyond 60,000 seats, which will put is matchday revenue closer to that of rivals Manchester United and Manchester City.
Andy Hughes, Liverpool’s chief operating officer, said:
‘The progress that has been made during ongoing feasibility studies has resulted in us being in a position to allow the outline planning permission to lapse.
‘We are committed to working with local residents, planning officials and others as we now focus on the detail behind any proposed redevelopment for Anfield Road.’
Liverpool faced opposition from local residents when they built the new main stand and, in a statement, the club said it was ‘committed to engaging with the local community and other key stakeholders while pursuing a vision in keeping with the club’s aspirations’.
