Everton Stadium had a visit from Government Minister Stephanie Peacock MP to learn more about the club’s new home and how it will kick-start the regeneration of north Liverpool.
Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, accompanied a delegation that included the Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society, and Youth.
The VIP visitors were taken on a tour of the 52,888-capacity stadium by Everton’s Interim CEO Colin Chong, who highlighted how the development is set to become one of Europe’s most iconic football venues and the catalyst for a possible regeneration of the City’s northern docks.
The MPs heard how the already built and fully funded Everton Stadium was the starting point and beating heart of an ambitious sports-led regeneration scheme that could bring together a range of partners transforming a derelict dock and warehousing space by breathing new life into a historic part of the city.
Stephanie Peacock MP, who holds the portfolio for Sport for the Government, praised the ambition behind the project, acknowledging its potential to drive growth and inspire future generations said:
“It was brilliant to visit Everton Stadium, the brand new home of Everton Football Club and one of our fantastic UEFA EURO 2028 host stadia.
“EURO 2028 presents a unique opportunity to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime.
“It will deliver benefits both within the local community and across the UK, inspiring a new generation of talent while delivering on this Government’s priority to create a happier and healthier nation.”
During the three-and-a-half-year build, the Club’s new waterfront home was recognised as the largest single-site private sector development in the country, contributing an estimated £1.3bn to the UK economy, creating tens of thousands of jobs and attracting 1.4m visitors to the city of Liverpool, annually.
The delegation also learned about how the Premier League’s newest stadium, which will officially open this summer, will be a huge cultural asset for the city region as a stunning venue for concerts and other major sporting events.
In 2024 in was announced that Everton Stadium would be a host venue for UEFA EURO 2028 and last month it was confirmed Everton’s new home will host the historic return of the Rugby League Ashes this autumn.
Colin Chong, Everton’s interim CEO said:
“We are delighted to welcome Stephanie as the Minister for Sport to our future home.
“This project not only represents a transformational moment for our football club but also a global example of best-in-class planning, consultation, construction and delivery – something I know that many Evertonians are proud of.
“Having both the Minister and Kim, our constituency MP, in attendance today has allowed them to see first-hand the progress we have made and the immense impact this world-class facility will have on the growth of our Club, our sport and the people in our region.
“We look forward to continuing to work with local and national Government and stakeholders to ensure this stadium delivers lasting benefits for generations to come.”
The tour ended at Everton Stadium’s South Stand concourse, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows giving the guests stunning views back to the centre of the city, as well as the surrounding area and the famous Liverpool skyline.
The delegation finished by discussing how the stadium was attracting international interest, as well as how the development would naturally lead to not only the dockland south of Everton Stadium being redeveloped, but other parts of the area benefiting from new commercial opportunities, tourist facilities, creative spaces and homes.
READ MORE: Everton Stadium’s Second Test Event A Resounding Success
