Liverpool City Council is continuing discussions with the City of Liverpool Football Club about finding a new location to meet their aspirations of building a community stadium.
It follows a recent decision by the Council to refuse their application for a Community Asset Transfer of Rathbone Park in Old Swan.
In mid-2023, the Club submitted an Expression of Interest in taking over the land.
In September 2023, Liverpool City Council provided the Club with extensive feedback, and requested that they resubmit it.
The Council received no further information from the Club, but did receive a number of objections from the community, including the Friends of Rathbone Park following the Clubs own consultation.
Based on the substantial gaps in the Club’s initial submission, and the objections, a decision was taken to refuse the application, in line with Council policy.
The Council is committed to an ongoing dialogue with the Club to find a suitable site with a fully funded, viable scheme, and met with representatives last Friday to discuss a way forward.
Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said: “The Council is supportive of the work the Club does and its aspirations to grow the impact of community football in Liverpool and beyond.
“I realise that this decision is a disappointment for the Club and its supporters, but the Council is committed to an ongoing dialogue with the Club to find a suitable alternative site for a fully funded, viable scheme.
“We want to keep working with the Club constructively to explore alternatives and hope we can continue talking.”
