Liverpool FC launches plans for permanent Anfield Road change

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NewsLiverpool NewsLiverpool FCThe club says the move will have benefits for the local areaLiverpool FC is gearing up for a potential showdown with people living around its Anfield stadium after submitting plans to permanently close a road outside the ground to vehicles. A section of Anfield Road, which lies between Alroy Road and Skerries Road was first closed in the summer of 2021 to facilitate the construction of the expanded Anfield Road stand at the Reds' famous ground.That construction project was eventually completed in 2024 and the section of road has since reopened to pedestrians and cyclists but remains closed to motor vehicles.

Now the club wants to make this a permanent change.Plans have been submitted to Liverpool City Council seeking permission to permanently close the stretch of road to vehicles at all times. It is a move likely to cause friction with those living in the area.In 2024 the club held a consultation on the idea of permanently closing Anfield Road to vehicles.

Of those surveyed, most of whom lived in the stadium's vicinity, 66% were highly unsupportive of the move.A further engagement exercise saw 74% of those responding to a survey about the plans state that they did not support them due to the inconvenience the move would cause for those living nearby.Liverpool FC bosses say that while the road is suitable for use by vehicles, they have identified security concerns about the increased risk of vehicles being in close proximity to the stadium.They say analysis shows there has been no adverse capacity or safety issues stemming from traffic being diverted onto other routes since Anfield Road was first closed.The club also sees the 'placemaking benefit' to the local community of keeping the road closed to vehicles - providing greater accessibility to Stanley Park, particularly with the added global interest in the stadium arriving with concerts from international stars like Taylor Swift.The Reds have agreed to fund and carry out works at the Anfield Road/Arkles Lane junction in a bid to mitigate the effect of the closure and improve the mobility of additional pedestrian and cycle movements in the location.A statement attached to the plans adds: "Liverpool Football Club would like to maintain the section of Anfield Road between the existing bollards as pedestrianised to support pedestrian and cyclist movement in the local area and enhance integration with Stanley Park."Survey data has shown that this space has become popular with pedestrians travelling between the stadium and park, as well as supporting through movements by cyclists."The statement adds that the club believes the move will "avoid vehicle conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians and address concerns about vehicles being in close proximity to or colliding with the stadium."As with all planning submissions, the application will be considered through the Liverpool Council's statutory planning process. There will be a period of public consultation, with neighbouring properties notified by post and ward councillors informed directly.The application will be assessed on its planning merits and against relevant local and national planning policies before a decision is made.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCPoliticsAnfield