Liverpool Football Club (FC) has unveiled plans to redevelop its Academy site in Kirkby.

The £50 million proposal includes building a new combined training centre, the redevelopment of the existing facilities at the Academy and designs to convert the main pitch into an indoor pitch.

In addition, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council (KMBC) is leading on plans to provide new and improved football pitches and sports facilities at Simonswood Lane. Working closely with local football teams, the upgrade will support the highest level of amateur football with new changing facilities and car park.


Further improvements include new dog-walking and cycling paths, new lighting and improved security with a CCTV system.

Wider proposals by Liverpool FC include redeveloping its existing first-team training ground at Melwood. The scheme could provide around 160 family homes in West Derby.

For the multi-million pound scheme to progress, Liverpool FC will need to purchase additional land immediately adjacent to the Academy site and close part of Moss Lane between Simonswood Lane and Arbour Lane.

A public consultation for local residents and businesses to find out more about the proposed plans will be held from 2pm – 8pm at Northwood Community Centre on Wednesday, 08 March.

Andy Hughes, chief operating officer at Liverpool FC, said: "We recognise that Melwood has played a significant role in the club's success and forms an important part of our history. However, the Melwood site is limited in space and is unable to accommodate our longer-term ambitions, which is why we are exploring options on the Academy site.

"We are encouraging our neighbours and local residents in Kirkby to attend to the public consultation to see the proposals first hand."

(LM/MH)