Liverpool FC submit plans for £50m academy transformation

Liverpool FC have submitted plans for a £50m scheme to transform their Kirkby Academy into a training complex for both the first team and youth set-ups.The Premier League giants have lodged a hybrid application with Knowsley Council for the project. The proposal comprises a detailed application for the redevelopment of the existing academy and Eddie McArdle playing fields and an outline application for a new training centre.Liverpool FC first unveiled plans for the high-profile regeneration project in February 2017. Liverpool FC plan to relocate their first-team training facilities from Melwood in West Derby, which has been the club’s training base since the 1950s, to playing fields north of its current academy site on land between Simonswood Lane and Moss Lane. The plans have been drawn up by architectural practice KSS, which also designed Anfield’s new Main Stand.Liverpool FC’s new Main StandThe proposed development was put out to public consultation in March 2017. During the consultation period, 66 responses were received with 94 per cent of those who completed feedback forms expressing support for the plans.Knowsley Council has not yet set a date to consider the application.