Liverpool FC (LFC) is bringing forward plans to redevelop the current Academy site in Kirkby.
The expansion and refurbishment of the Academy will be the first major works to the building since it was completed in 1998.
Following improvements to other aspects of the LFC’s infrastructure, the Academy’s redevelopment will provide younger players with access to top class facilities as they progress through the sport.
The redevelopment aims to bring LFC’s Academy facilities in line with top flight clubs across Europe.
Artistic impression of the Academy redevelopment (click to enlarge)
Photograph of existing grass show-pitch and spectator stand
The journey so far
The Academy has been permanently based in Kirkby, east of Simonswood Lane and south of Moss Lane, since 1998.
A hybrid planning application was approved by Knowsley Borough Council in 2017, which sought to create one training campus for LFC (including works to improve the existing Academy campus), and enhance community recreational facilities through the improvements to the Eddie McArdle playing fields. The proposals brought LFC’s first team and Academy football training operations and facilities together in one location.
Measures included in the full planning consent element of the application were external alterations to the main Academy building, a new 499-seat spectator stand for the existing outdoor show pitch (south of the existing Academy building), and a new building to cover the training pitch lying immediately to the north of the existing Academy building.
Photograph of existing Academy building
Since then, significant improvements have been made across the Academy’s facilities to provide LFC’s young players with the best possible opportunities all year round.
LFC has invested in the Academy following the 2017 planning permission and is reviewing its plans to ensure that it is able to offer the highest standard of facilities to emerging talent. The current proposals are more ambitious, reflecting LFC’s commitment to the next generation of players.