Reds' plans to redevelop Kirkby Academy make progress

Liverpool FC's proposed plans to redevelop its Academy site at Kirkby moved another step forward this evening with Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee approval of the outline application for the proposed redevelopment.

The club’s vision is to bring its first-team and Academy football training operations and facilities together on one site in Kirkby. The proposal includes the construction of a new combined training centre, the redevelopment of the existing facilities at the Academy and designs to convert the main pitch into an indoor pitch. The plans also include improvements to the community playing fields at Simonswood Lane.

Peter Moore, LFC’s chief executive officer, said: “Today’s approval by KMBC is another step on the journey in achieving our vision to bring our first-team players and young players together on one site.

“We have received positive feedback from local residents and businesses on our proposals during the public consultation earlier this year and we thank them for their continued support.

“As part of the planning process, we will now submit more detail on the scheme to KMBC before we have the certainty that we need to progress with the redevelopment of the site.”

Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Councillor Graham Morgan, said: “The council and LFC have worked closely with the local community throughout the planning process and we are pleased the plans have received such an overwhelmingly positive response.

“I’m also delighted that the local community and sports clubs in Kirkby will benefit from the scheme with much-improved football pitches and sports facilities at Simonswood Lane.

“It is a great vote of confidence in Knowsley that an organisation of Liverpool Football Club’s stature wants to expand its facilities in the borough.”