Plans have been approved for a new £50 million Liverpool FC (LFC) Academy in Kirkby.

The Club is aiming to bring its first team and Academy training operations together on one site. Features include building a new combined training centre, redevelopment of the existing facilities at the Academy and designs to convert the main pitch into an indoor pitch.

In addition, new and improved football pitches will be developed along with community sports facilities on the Eddie McArdle playing fields at Simonswood Lane.

Elsewhere, the surrounding area will be improved with new dog-walking and cycle paths, as well as new lighting and improved security with a CCTV system.


Knowsley Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Cllr Graham Morgan, said: "I'm delighted that the local community and sports clubs in Kirkby will benefit from the scheme with much-improved football pitches and sports facilities at Simonswood Lane.

"The new dog-walking and cycle paths, lighting and CCTV will also really enhance the local area for the benefit of our residents.

"The council and Liverpool FC have worked closely with the local community throughout the planning process and we are pleased the plans have received such an overwhelmingly positive response."

Peter Moore, LFC's Chief Executive Officer, said: "Today's approval by KMBC is another step on the journey in achieving our vision to bring our first-team players and young players together on one site.

"We have received positive feedback from local residents and businesses on our proposals during the public consultation earlier this year and we thank them for their continued support.

"As part of the planning process, we will now submit more detail on the scheme to KMBC before we have the certainty that we need to progress with the redevelopment of the site."

(LM)