Liverpool delay Anfield Road end stadium expansion by 12 months due to coronavirus delays

£60m expansion has been put on hold for a year because of unavoidable delays triggered by the coronavirus crisis, with work now due to be completed in 2023 as two full summer windows are needed for the redevelopment

Liverpool’s projected £60m expansion of the Anfield Road end will be placed on hold for at least a year as the coronavirus pandemic impedes construction planning.

Due to a number of delays as a result of the global crisis, the earliest the redevelopment will be completed is the summer of 2023 as opposed to the original timeframe of 2022.

The build phase was scheduled to begin this December, but will now be pushed to the same month next year.

The complex renovation, which would increase Anfield’s capacity to 61,000, is similar to the work undertaken on the Main Stand and requires an 18-month construction period.

This would be inclusive of clear closed windows over consecutive summers to ensure minimal impact to supporters.

“We have experienced a number of delays to the planned project as a direct result of the Covid-19 lockdown,” said Liverpool’s chief operating officer, Andy Hughes.

“Given the challenges that many sectors are facing right now, including the construction, procurement and public sectors, we are taking a responsible approach to pause the project for at least 12 months.

“The complex build programme for Anfield Road is an 18-month process and needs two clear summer closed-season windows in order for it to be successful.

“This is why we are pausing on the project for at least 12 months so the earliest we could complete the programme is summer 2023 rather than summer 2022 as originally planned.

“Given the planning application is no longer time critical, it is our intention to submit our planning application at some stage during the next 12 months.

“We will use this period to review and consider options. When the football calendar and the wider delays to the construction and supply chain industries begin to plateau, we will provide further updates.

The plan for the Anfield Road end development (Liverpool FC)

“We understand this is disappointing for many as it is for us but would like to thank all our key stakeholders including local neighbours in Anfield, our supporters, the City Council and others for their great co-operation in the pre-planning stages.

“Our priority remains on the health and wellbeing of our people, the local community and supporters at this challenging time. Our thoughts are with all those affected by Covid-19.”