Spring start for Liverpool FC stadium - to be completed by 2011

Nov 7 2007 Larry Neild and Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Decision welcomed

BUSINESS and tourism leaders joined fans last night in welcoming the decision.

Jack Stopforth, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s obviously the right decision.

“What’s exciting from the community and business perspective is that it’s a trigger for so much badly needed investment.

“We welcome it and look forward to working with the club.”

Martin King, Director of Tourism at The Mersey Partnership said:

“We know the club has a huge impact on the visitor economy of the Liverpool City Region by attracting a very significant number of staying visitors. The Tourist Board recognised this enormous input by presenting them with a special award for contribution to the visitor economy.

“The new stadium, with its increased capacity, will only add to these numbers.”

But Steve Kelly, founder editor of fanzine Through the Wind and the Rain said: “I am not really sure how positive it is, or if they will be able to fill it – the costs seem to be creeping up too.”

Cllr Steve Radford, leader of the minority Liberal group on the council attacked the scheme. He said if Everton had wanted to build in Stanley Park the council would have said “No deal”, but officers had acted like agents of Liverpool FC when they applied for permission.

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