A £60m project to expand Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium to a capacity of 61,000 will start next week after the Premier League club gave the plans the final sign off.
The project, which has been undergoing enabling works throughout the off-season, will begin with an official ground-breaking ceremony planned for next week.
The redevelopment of the stand will see 7,000 more seats added to Anfield.
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The construction of the stand will work in the same way as the redeveloped Main Stand, with the build taking place throughout the season while matches continue to be played throughout.
The project was given planning permission by Liverpool City Council in June 2021, with the club also given the go-ahead to hold up to six concerts and major events at the stadium for a period of five seasons.
Andy Hughes, managing director of Liverpool FC, said: "We have been clear from the beginning that in order for this expansion to go ahead we needed the co-operation of local residents and the community, to successfully navigate the complex planning landscape, and to ensure the project is financially viable.
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"We needed certainty for this project to progress and are now in a position to be able to move forward.
"We began this journey in 2014 and are grateful to everyone for the contributions they have made to bring the project to this stage."
Following two stages of public consultation and feedback on the initial plans, Anfield Road’s expansion project will reroute Anfield Road itself around the footprint of the new stand.
The club will work with Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd as principal contractor on the project.
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The company will work with local employment groups and education establishments to offer work experience, apprenticeships, graduate placements and jobs to local people.
Buckingham is committed to offering around 35 work placements and more than 800 apprentice and training weeks across the build.
When complete, the expanded Anfield Road Stand is expected to create around 400 matchday roles in addition to the 2,200 people currently employed in various operations at each home game, of which 95% are known to live in the Liverpool City Region.
The redeveloped Anfield Road Stand is anticipated to be ready for the 2023-24 season and its design will see the lower tier retained and refurbished with a new upper tier built above it.
As well as an increased capacity, the redeveloped stand will be similar to the Main Stand, with improved concourses and sports bar lounge hospitality facilities. This stand will also see the relocation of the Family Park to a covered position.
