EVERTON FC’S star £9m retail and hospitality development will now not open until the summer of 2012.
The scheme is part of the club’s response to the need for it to grow its commercial revenues while it looks for a financially-viable way to build a new stadium.
It was launched at a shareholders’ forum last August and the scheme received planning permission in November.The four-storey building – which will house a shop, museum, café, corporate hospitality and offices – was expected to be completed by this autumn but the opening date slipped to Christmas.
However the club today said a decision had been taken to delay opening until summer 2012.
The club say the complexities surrounding IT moves and office relocation make it sensible to avoid a mid-season move.
Everton FC spokesman Ian Ross said: “This has been the acknowledged target date for some time as operationally it would have been difficult to open it mid-season. All of our partners are happy with the current timetable.
“This is a complex project involving several partners which when completed will deliver a prestigious multi-use building, one which will unquestionably benefit both club and supporters.”
Everton FC chief executive Robert Elstone said in a blog on the club’s website four weeks ago “We expect to start work soon as we wade through some complex legal matters.”
Today Mr Ross denied legal issues were the cause of the schedule change.
