Enabling commences on £350m, 60,000-seater stadium designed by Ryder HKS
Laing O’Rourke has started work on Liverpool FC’s new £350m stadium.
Construction will continue on an interim license until September while talks over the lease continue.
The designs, by Ryder HKS, received outline planning permission in May for a 60,000-seat stadium, though this could be expanded to 73,000 if further permission is granted.
The future of the development has often been in doubt, given the fractious relationship between co-chairmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks. The two fell out over the management of the club last year, and the funding and designs of the new stadium have been at the centre of the pair’s wrangling.
But, in a sign that their relationship may be recovering, Gillett and Hicks released a joint statement to announce the commencement of enabling works.
Co-chairman George Gillett said: "This is a significant milestone for the club and I am delighted that the design received full planning consent and that we are now on site.
"We have been working very hard over the last six months to move the details of the design along but this is the first tangible evidence for fans that a New LFC Stadium will be built.
Hicks said: "We have watched the council transform Stanley Park over the last six months and the ongoing refurbishment of houses in the Anfield/ Breckfield area. I am pleased that now the club has received full planning permission it can join the regeneration process with the commencement of enabling works."
Construction is expected to finish in time for the 2012-13 season.
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