Laing O’Rourke will start construction on Everton’s new £505m stadium on 26 July, it has been announced.
The football club revealed it will take possession of the Bramley-Moore Dock site, in the Peel L&P regeneration area of Liverpool Waters, on the same day, meaning enabling works to prepare the dock site can begin.
A statement from the contractor said that early work will include the repair and preservation of a Grade II-listed dock wall, stabilising of the hydraulic tower located on the site, preparation for demolition of existing non-listed structures, and raking of the dock floor. Pipework will also be installed to enable the infilling of the dock.
Laing O’Rourke director of UK building Paul McNerney said the project would be “spectacular” and deliver “significant benefits for the city”.
He added: “We will harness our digital-engineering expertise, experience of delivering sports stadia and sector-leading manufacturing capabilities, using products made at our two UK factories, to create a world-class stadium for Everton and their fans.”
Earlier this year, a report by Liverpool City Council said the project will create 8,136 construction jobs. The redevelopment of Everton’s current home, Goodison Park, was valued as an £82.5m scheme and is anticipated to generate 1,382 jobs. The report also suggests the scheme will prompt “wider catalytic” developments in land adjacent to the site with a construction value of £212m.
Everton chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale said the stadium would be “one of the finest” in world football. She thanked colleagues, supporters, local people and added: “I would also like to thank Laing O’Rourke and look forward to working with them and seeing our stunning designs become a reality in the years ahead.”