Plans to build a new Everton FC stadium in North Liverpool have taken a major step forward with the announcement of a large public consultation.

The consultation, which will be held in November under 'The People's Project' campaign name, marks the start of a formal process which will lead to the submission of a planning application in the second half of next year.

A public consultation will begin on Thursday, 15 November and last three weeks, asking members of the public for their views on Bramley-Moore Dock as the proposed site for the new stadium. It will also seek views on the club's further plans to redevelop its current home Goodison Park, leaving it as a legacy.

Research from international property advisory firm CBRE suggests the two developments will deliver a £1 billion boost to the economy and the creation of some 15,000 new jobs

Everton Chief Executive Officer Denise Barrett-Baxendale said: "This consultation marks a very significant moment as we progress with this project. We would like as many people as possible – and not just football fans – to take part and let us know their views.

"Our ambition is not just to create a new home for a very proud and historic football club but also a new landmark stadium, in an iconic setting, which will deliver huge regeneration benefits for the whole of the Liverpool City Region.

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"We have deep roots in L4 and are committed to building on the extensive investment we have already made in the area. We are preparing plans to redevelop the existing stadium site to create facilities which will benefit the whole community, creating jobs and improving lives.

"Everton is committed to delivering an authentic football stadium which responds to Liverpool's World Heritage Site designation. The plans we are developing will respect the historic features of the site and complement its surroundings.

"The rich history and connections between the old docker community and the city’s football family are inseparable. A move to the city's North Docks will be very poignant for many of our supporters who will have had family members work there and will give them a chance to enjoy a part of cultural Liverpool that has not been open to the city for decades."  

A second public consultation will be held next summer, when the Club will present the proposed design of the stadium and further details on its Goodison Park legacy plans.

Stadium Development Director Colin Chong added: "Our proposals are about to enter a new and very important stage as we begin this formal public consultation period. We and our advisers are stepping up our dialogue with a range of stakeholders as we progress our designs.

"We know everyone is very keen to see images of what the stadium might look like and we look forward to sharing them next year. We will abide by a careful and considered process that respects all stakeholders' interests. This is a multi-faceted project and it is important that we do everything required to ensure our planning application, when it's made, stands the best chance of success.

"The Club has already carried out a huge amount of work to get us to our current position, making sure any scheme we develop is right for the Club, the fans and for the city region as a whole. This is a long and methodical process and the public consultation forms an important part of this."

Further information on the project or details on the consultation events can be found on Everton FC's new campaign website.

(CM/MH)