nah they planning to build a max 72k stadium.
http://forums.liverpoolfc.tv/Forum15/HTML/150890.html
Rebuilding Goodison
By Trevor Skempton : 13/3/07
Despite all the talk of Kirkby and a big one-off cash injection,
many of us remain convinced that the best way forward for Everton
is through patient incremental development, including realistic
long-term plans for developing the team and the academy, a business
plan that seeks sustainable growth rather than a big bang, and
the gradual redevelopment of Goodison Park to incorporate long-term
dreams of it becoming (once again) one of the best stadiums in the
world, eclipsing the dull symmetrical bowls of the Emirates or
the New Anfield.
The financial investment would flow from the supporters (both those
who attend games and the many who don't), through the long-term
business plan, without relying on either sugar daddies or public
sector hand-outs.
Like others, I have argued for this approach on many occasions over
recent years (based on experience of successful stadium
developments elsewhere). The following is a short extract from a
long illustrated paper, which I circulated to friends and
colleagues in January. It assumes that Everton require an initial
capacity of at least 48,000 (which would then be the minimum to be
maintained through subsequent building phases), with the potential
to expand this to an ultimate figure of 72,000. The options
described below have been evaluated with these standards and
figures in mind.
1. The minimum option
No change is not an option, but the first suggestion explores what
can be achieved within the present footprint. It includes the car
park behind the Park End Stand. It also includes Bullens Road,
although this option does not require the demolition of any
properties. Three tiers of sky-boxes are proposed at the back of
the Upper Bullens Stand and spanning the Gwladys Street stand, the
latter sufficiently far forward to avoid further overshadowing of
the street behind. These sky-boxes would be part of a new roof
structure that would eliminate the obstructed views from the upper
tiers. The lower tiers would be reconfigured to remove the worst of
the obstructed views without detracting from the valuable historic
character of Archibald Leitchs designs.
Thus restored and extended upwards, the Gwladys Street and Bullens
Road stands could gain iconic status in world football and could be
a fitting home to an International Museum of Stadium Design.
A new Upper Park End would be the maximum possible on the site,
estimated at 7,000 assuming enhanced premium space standards.
Allowing for 2,000 seats in the Gwladys Street and Bullens Road sky
boxes but a loss of 1,000 seats in the re-design of the lower
tiers, this would give a total capacity of 48,000.
A well-designed new Park Stand would be an appropriate immediate
response to the building of the New Anfield and could incorporate
car parking (possibly a weekday park-and-ride facility) and
commercial activity, with a landmark tower (possibly a hotel) on
the corner of Walton Lane. It would be financed directly from the
extra season tickets and lounge accommodation, on the reasonable
assumption that there is a demonstrable demand for 8,000 extra
(unobstructed and premium quality) seats at Goodison.
2. The arcade option
This is an expansion of the minimum solution, which includes
forming an arcade over Goodison Road, allowing a re-building of
the Main Stand to improve seating space standards, lounges and
other facilities, and to remove obstructed views. The capacity
would rise to 52,000, with more than half of these at the premium
standard. Building over the full width of Bullens Road would allow
for improved facilities and would require the demolition of 13
houses (7 on Muriel Street and 4 on Diana Street).
3. The south-east corner option
This includes new stands above and behind the present Bullens Road
and Park End Stands, with sky boxes above Gwladys Street, a
commercial tower on the corner of Walton Lane and car parking under
the new Park End Stand. The school could be redesigned around an
enclosed garden and enjoy a partnership with some of the stadium
facilities. Bullens Road would be widened and moved eastwards,
requiring the demolition of 40 terraced houses. The capacity would
be 55,000
4. The horseshoe option
This is the maximum proposed expansion of the stadium site, with
the main stand being reconstructed in scale with the new Park End
and Bullens Road stands. It allows for long-term consolidation of
the surrounding streets and the removal of future uncertainty and
consequent blight. The total number of terraced houses to be
demolished is 70. The new capacity would be 63,000.
5. The maximum option
This is a development of the horseshoe to include a sliding roof
and extra side tiers over arcades, bringing the capacity up to
72,000. This could be the best football ground in the world, and it
would incorporate important elements of the historic character of
Goodison. It may be a dream, but it is not unrealistic, if embedded
within a consistent long-term plan with many phases.
