Where now for Everton FC, after Government rejects Kirkby plan?
Where now for Everton FC after the Government has rejected the club's plans to build a new stadium in Kirkby?
We were told there was no plan B by former chief executive Keith Wyness.
But staying at Goodison as it is is not really a long term option, back in July 2007 Mr Wyness said over the next decade there would be some real issues as to whether the ground would get a safety certificate.
It would appear these are the options:
Judicial review the rejection: The club, Tesco, and Knowsley Council were always wanting to effectively rip up the rule book on regional planning policy ( 500,000sq ft of retail in a town the size of Kirkby is not normally allowed). The justification for breaking the rules with 'Destination Kirkby' was the massive regeneration (ã400m and up to 7,000 short and long term jobs) that a deprived area town like Kirkby so badly needs. It is unlikely that the courts are going to disagree with Communities Secretary John Denham's view the projects would breach shopping policy to discourage major supermarket chains sucking business away from town and city centres.
Redevelop Goodison: At last year's extraordinary general meeting (EGM), at which I was present current club chief executive Robert Elstone said redeveloping Goodison would cost between ã50m and ã230m depending on the scale of change. But apart from the most expensive option, the club would either lose money or only gain an additional ã2.5m a year.
Shared stadium with Liverpool FC: LFC's plans for a new stadium on Stanley Park are already on hold. The club says it is waiting for the global financial situation to improve before going to the banks to raise finance. But the amount of debt already on the club does not help the situation. While Everton are not flush with cash either. Both Liverpool Council leader Warren Bradley and Steve Broomhead, chief executive of the North West Development Agency, are in favour. It is likely the NWDA could put a substantial amount of money into the pot. In the past both clubs have been opposed, but may be the present situation might change views?
New super rich owner: Chairman Bill Kenwright is on record saying he is looking for investment in the club and will sell to the right owner. Could it be that with the uncertainty with Kirkby out of the way that a new owner could come in. Again this would seem unlikely.
Another site: There are of course other sites in the city, but the real problem with any option that does not include a big enabling development is the club's lack of funds (relative to other Premier League clubs).
There are no easy answers now, and there may be an option that comes forward that I have not thought of. Football is good at providing surprises.
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David Bartlett
City editor of the Post and Echo covering politics, regeneration, and urban affairs.
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Mr Bartlett,
All very well, but is there any chance you could look ast the spin and get to the detail?
There weren't 7,000 jobs, and no evidence was provided by Everton to substantiate why a stadium could be built in Kirkby for ã78M but one in Walton would cost ã230M.
According to the Tesco Planning Application, the value of the whole development was just under ã300M, not ã400M
Finally, Tesco stated on the very first day of the Inquiry - despite over 50 references to the contrary in their sumitted evidence - that the retail development was NOT an enabler for the stadium.
I am fed up of the inability of the local press and media to get beyond the initial spin - deal of the century etc - and start reporting the facts.
I thank God it's been rejected, as it would have been a disaster for Everton. There is no doubt in my mind that Tesco will still build the supermarket that Kirkby desperately needs, but thankfully, Everton won't be there.
The best site for Everton is the Long Lane industrial Estate suggested by the council. Adjacent to the mothballed Outer Loop line which can be on the Merseyrail metro network, it will give a stadium station that can shift 30-40,000 per hour. This will ensure success as it will get 'em in and out fast and easy. Then they will come in their droves.
http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showpost.php?p=199740&postcount=2
Tarting up Goodison Park will ensure relegation.
Everton announced:
1. Redeveloping Goodison Park is out, as the cost is way too high and the site is landlocked.
2. They would consider a shared stadium if it is affordable.
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If the city want to be in 218 World Cup a shared stadium is the only answer.
Everton can still go it alone at Kirby as only the retail aspect was rejected.
What I'd like to know is what now for Kirkby?
There's no Plan B there either.
Surely the long term future of a community is more important than where a football team plays.
The priorities are all wrong.
People would buy a term paper or buy essay papers, opting for the essay writing service.