New stadium: Everton and Tesco launch Kirkby charm offensive

Mar 19 2008

SENIOR figures from Everton FC and Tesco launched the first meeting of Destination Kirkby.

The group was established to take ideas from the community and businesses about the £400m Blues stadium project.

Everton’s chief executive Keith Wyness and Tesco’s corporate affairs manager Michael Kissman were present.

Destination Kirkby also includes council members, community network members and representatives from schools and colleges.

Plans to build 50 shops and a Tesco Extra alongside the proposed new Everton stadium were lodged in January.

But the scheme has been opposed by fans’ group Keep Everton In Our City and Kirkby residents’ action group (Krag), who have gathered over 1,400 objections.

The next Destination Kirkby meeting will be held at Goodison Park in April.

Michael Kissman, from Tesco, said: “The first meeting went really well. It gave us the opportunity to agree how best to keep the community informed.”

Everton FC chief executive Keith Wyness said: “Attending these meetings is part of our commitment to open and honest communication with all aspects of the Kirkby community.”