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Liverpool move closer to Anfield redevelopment

Building work has already started around Anfield © PA Photos

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Liverpool are set to move a major step closer towards a £150 million redevelopment of Anfield by submitting a planning application before the start of the new season.

Managing director Ian Ayre has confirmed that plans are on course for the rebuilding programme, which would see the Main Stand and Anfield Road End expanded, increasing the capacity to around 60,000.

The club announced last October that they planned to stay at Anfield rather than push ahead with proposals for a new stadium in neighbouring Stanley Park.

But the expansion, which is going ahead in partnership with Liverpool City Council and social housing developer Your Housing, requires the purchase and demolition of housing that backs on to the ground.

Ayre has indicated that negotiations are almost complete to buy the last few of the 90 houses that need to be demolished.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "We are in an interesting period in terms of our aspirations around the stadium.

"Our goal is to extend Anfield. But we need certainty and that comes with the acquisition of properties.

"Real progress has been made in acquiring them. Once they have all been acquired we will go through the planning process. We would expect to be in a position to make that a certainty this summer. Once planning has been achieved then we can start construction."

Ayre has indicated that the club need to expand Anfield to increase revenue and allow them to compete financially with the Premier League's top teams.

He added: "There are three core revenue streams - media, commercial and matchday.

"Our media and commercial revenues are very impressive but where we fall behind is our matchday revenues. Having a bigger stadium and playing in the Champions League are two mechanisms which would dramatically change our fortunes.

"We're determined to press on with the stadium solution. It's in the hands of other people but hopefully we will get there and deliver what our fans want."

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