A huge development site directly outside Liverpool FC's Anfield Stadium is set to be sold by Liverpool City Council.
Anfield Square, which lies just a stone's throw from the world famous stadium, is seen as the next key element in the £260m regeneration of the local area. That regeneration programme has so far seen 600 new homes, 600m refurbished homes, a new school, retail units and public space created - as well as the ongoing expansion of the stadium itself.
The brownfield site has been vacant since the demolition of over 150 former derelict properties and at one hectare in size (equivalent to two and half football pitches) it is seen as having considerable potential to provide a major economic, environmental and social impact to the area.
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Liverpool City Council has now appointed a team of experts to help market and sell the plot of land. Following what the council says is an "open and robust" procurement exercise, the council has appointed place management consultants, Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL), along with their subconsultant team, LDA and PLACED, to act as agent and assist with the marketing and disposal of the site and to attract the broadest and highest calibre of potential developers.
The local authority says it wants any development in Anfield Square to be rooted in and focussed on community inclusion. Following the appointment of JLL the site’s potential will be explored via a soft market testing exercise, as well as a series of public and stakeholder engagement sessions in February and March, to inform the production of a development brief which will then be advertised to market.
Bounded by Walton Breck Road, Gilman Street, Back Rockfield Road and Pulford Street. Anfield Square also lies just a few hundred yards away from the Grade II* listed Stanley Park and the council will also be seeking an environmental focus to any proposed development.
Following the appointment of JLL the site’s potential will be explored via a soft market testing exercise, as well as a series of public and stakeholder engagement sessions in February and March, to inform the production of a development brief which will then be advertised to market.
About the appointed team
The appointed team will be managed by the City Council’s Development and Investment Team whose role is to facilitate high quality development and placemaking through delivery of outstanding projects across Liverpool.
JLL brings a multi-disciplinary team and track record of facilitating development on large scale sites including those around sports stadiums.
LDA has experience within the city and its future growth particularly on production of the recently adopted Public Realm Strategy and proposed St George’s Gateway scheme.
PLACED have worked within the City Region for over ten years. They will work with the community within Anfield and Everton to ensure they capture their views and needs, to inform the development brief and evaluation of submissions.
Councillor Sarah Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Development and Economy, said: “This square presents a unique opportunity to create something special for the Anfield community – and most importantly a development that is shaped by those that live there.
“Liverpool FC’s stadium is world-renowned and attracts visitors from all over the planet, and the club is continuing to invest in it, so there will be an extremely high benchmark the for the quality of what happens to Anfield Square. The benchmark for community inclusion will also be very high to ensure this development provides a long-lasting positive economic, social and environmental impact for our residents in the area.
“I’m delighted we’ve appointed such a talented team of experts with an impressive track record in community engagement and high quality developments. I look forward to seeing their work progress and hearing the views of the Anfield and Everton communities as this exciting journey begins to take shape.”
Henry Burton, Development Director at JLL, said: “This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future development for Anfield Square in a way that provides social, environmental and economic value for Liverpool.
“The prominent site, which is adjacent to the football ground of one of the world’s most famous football clubs, will appeal to a wide-range of developers that are committed to delivering transformative regeneration projects. We look forward to working with Liverpool City Council to identify the right development partner for this exciting scheme.”
Residents and local businesses, as well as interested commercial parties, are invited to submit any queries to the Anfield Square team via email to: JLLAnfieldSquare@jll.com
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