The Holy Trinity venue already under investigation for planning matters could lose its alcohol licence
A CGI image of what the marquee structure might look like
A CGI image of what the marquee structure might look like(Image: FrancisDonovan/Spire Design)
A proposed fan zone opposite Everton’s new stadium that was built without planning permission could be prevented from serving alcohol as it faces being stripped of its premises licence. It was revealed last week how an investigation had been launched into a development on Regent Road after health and safety concerns were raised about the construction of a marquee across from the stadium.
A stop order was issued to the company behind the plans – Mersey View Leisure Ltd – after Liverpool Council’s building control team visited the site after work began. This was after Mersey View was granted a premises licence for the location in February.
The venue is to be named The Holy Trinity in tribute to the Blues’ legendary midfield trio of Alan Ball, Howard Kendall, and Colin Harvey. However, a notice has been issued by the city council that it now intends to look again at the terms it granted just six months ago.
The plans are from a private company and are in no way linked to Everton Football Club. The ECHO understands none of the families were consulted on the naming of the venue or are connected with it in any way.
Days before the construction was ordered to stop, a formal planning bid was launched for the venue. Should it be permitted to go ahead, it is expected the site could accommodate 1,500 Toffees’ fans.
It is bounded on the east side by Regent Road, to the south and west sides by Fulton Street and to the north side by Boundary Street. In February, the local authority’s licensing and gambling sub-committee granted permission for the venue to operate its alcohol sales from 9am to midnight daily.
The city’s building control department has now requested that it be reviewed under the grounds of public safety according to a notice made public by Liverpool Council. It has already launched an investigation into the development and its lack of requisite permission.
Work on a planned fan zone opposite Everton's new stadium has been ordered to stop
According to planning documents, the development will consist of a marquee of simple rectangular design and its main use will be to complement the new Everton stadium for servicing the expected number of spectators. It is anticipated to use the entire space, leased to the applicant by Terry’s Timber.
Entrance to the site would be via Boundary Street on a tarmac road surface along Fulton Street, ramped access will be provided to all entrances to the marquee and toilet facilities. All bars will be provided with a stepped area to the bar for access for customers in wheelchairs.
Such is the nature of the stadium as a major landmark development in the north of the city, Mersey View’s preparations for the scheme have gone beyond a standard planning application as documents revealed. They said: “It is accepted that the development of the new Everton Stadium alone will attract a possible increase in crime and anti-social behaviour, therefore additional attractions will similarly add to that possibility.
“It was also acknowledged that the new Everton Stadium could become a target for terrorism, and therefore consultation took place on steps to respond to any perceived terrorist attack by both the developer and Merseyside Police. Those steps have been agreed and will be implemented by both parties.”
A second application has been lodged by Mersey View director Gary Hincks to convert a disused warehouse on Fulton Street into a food and drink space to occupy almost 500 people. If granted, it could create 20 new jobs and operate until 11.30pm daily.
A date is yet to be confirmed for either of the proposals to go before planning officials. A spokesperson for Mersey View Limited said the business declined to comment on the investigation.