McLaughlin & Harvey (McL&H) has started work to build a new £50 million training facility for Liverpool FC in Kirkby.

The NI-based contractor will create a new 9,200 sq m training complex for the first team, along with a state-of-the-art training area for the club's development squads as well as new pitches, two gyms, a full-size sports hall, pool, hydrotherapy complex and specialist sports rehabilitation suites. There will also be dedicated TV studios, press conference facilities and office accommodation

Knowsley Council's Eddie McArdle community playing fields, which neighbour the Academy site, are also being redeveloped as part of the ambitious project. Improvements will include upgraded football pitches, new changing rooms and facilities, enhanced security and lighting as well as a new pedestrian and cycle pathway.

Liverpool FC Manager Jürgen Klopp, Academy director Alex Inglethorpe and LFC's chief operating officer, Andy Hughes, joined club staff, the leader and chief executive of Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council and representatives from McL&H to celebrate the start of work on site.

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Cllr Graham Morgan, leader of Knowsley Council, said: "I am delighted to see work beginning on this exciting project.

"The club's investment into its training complex in Knowsley will not only provide world-class facilities but will bring great benefits for our community in Kirkby.

"We are pleased to be working in partnership with LFC with the aim of creating a sporting hub that will enable the development of more grassroots football and hopefully inspire the next generation of players.

"This is a project we are very proud to be involved in and very much look forward to seeing this development progress in the coming months."

Mr Hughes said: "Today marks another significant milestone in the club's history.

"This development will not only provide first-class amenities for our players and staff - in which a clear pathway through to the first team will be created - but it will vastly improve sports facilities for the community of Kirkby.

"We're extremely pleased to be investing in the Knowsley area and look forward to building relationships with our neighbours as the project progresses."

Building work on the community playing fields will be completed later this year and, following a period for the grass to establish, the new pitches will be ready for use around August 2019. The entire project is expected to be completed in spring 2020.

Image credit: Liverpool FC.

(LM/MH)