verton and Laing O’Rourke have hosted a 'topping out' ceremony at Everton Stadium to mark the completion of the structure.

Dignitaries from the Club and its construction partner jointly celebrated the achievement, just 20 months since work began on the semi-derelict site at Bramley-Moore Dock.

All four stands have since been erected to full height, with the final sections of steelwork and terracing units being installed on top of the east stand, where the ‘topping out’ ceremony and speeches took place.

Chief Stadium Development Officer, Colin Chong, who poured the concrete mix into the final slab at the ceremony, praised the "professionalism, commitment, dedication and effort" of all involved in the stadium development.

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Chong added: "As a club, we are just the enablers. We pull a plan together, procure the land, secure the planning application and pick the right partner.

"They then take that ownership off us and deliver, so this stadium is testament to the truly collaborative relationship between Everton and Laing O’Rourke, as well as our partners and consultants."

During the 'topping out' ceremony, and following tradition within the construction industry, a fir tree was hoisted atop the east stand in a symbolic gesture that has several origins, including a Native American belief that no building should be taller than a tree.

Work continues at Everton Stadium to complete the roofing structure on the west and east stands, while the initial fit-out has begun simultaneously on numerous levels of the two main stands.