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Plans include enhanced accommodation, including a gymnasium, sports science suite, changing facilities and visitor accommodation.
Liverpool FC submits plans for youth academy expansion
Liverpool FC submits plans for youth academy expansion (Image: KSS Design Group LTD)
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Liverpool Football Club is set to embark on a major redevelopment, after submitting plans for the overhaul of its academy base in Kirkby. The club is now engaged in a formal planning process but hopes the project will be completed in 2028.
A planning application for the LFC academy has been submitted to Knowsley Council, requesting a two storey extension to the existing academy training building, converting the existing grass “show-pitch” to an all-weather surface with a domed roof, and constructing a 499-seat spectator stand.
The application site comprises the existing Liverpool FC academy training ground located on Arbour Lane in Kirkby. The location has a long association with LFC, having being acquired by the club in 1998 and used as its youth training facility for almost 30 years.
According to a planning statement prepared by Ryan and May consultants, on behalf of LFC, the current application sets out alternative proposals to extend the existing academy building and provide new and enhanced accommodation, including a gymnasium, sports science suite, changing facilities and visitor accommodation.
Commenting on the plans in a September update on LFC’s website, academy director Alex Inglethorpe said of the project: “The owners have embarked on a number of infrastructure projects in recent years with the redevelopment of the two stands at Anfield, building the AXA Training Centre to put us all on one site here at Kirkby, and giving Melwood a facelift for the women’s team to go there."