Everton FC's Kirkby 50,000 seater stadium hit by new delay
Mar 14 2009 by Richard Down
EFC Stadium design, Kirkby 03 _200
“A delay will lose a year with all the accompanying issues as to delivery and cost of delay.”
Despite these concerns the “delay” is not likely to be terminal to the Kirkby move.
Club spokesman Ian Ross said: “In an ideal world we would have welcomed an earlier decision but we understand that processes like these take a lot of time and effort.
“The wheels of Government don’t move as quickly as we would like. All through this we’ve let it be known there’s a sense of urgency and that it is time sensitive.
“We are impatient but equally happy that they’ve taken on board the urgent nature of the application.
“We remain totally focused and optimistic that it will go ahead.”
Tesco, which is helping to bankroll Destination Kirkby by creating a massive retail development south of the town centre, have also moved to calm fears.
Spokesman Michael Kissman said the application was crucial not just for the future of the club but for the regeneration of Kirkby.
He said: “We hope that they are all working to their full capacity to get the final decision.
“Not knowing the decision is creating a great deal of uncertainty as an investor in Merseyside and for the residents.
“The sooner we can get a conclusion, preferably a positive one for us, the better.”
Knowsley Council said: “We are extremely keen to press for a resolution on this key regeneration project and are hopeful that a decision will still be made before this date.
“The council remains fully committed to this project which will transform Kirkby for the benefit of generations to come and bring vital investment into the local economy.”
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