THE economic downturn could be the decisive factor in scuppering the Everton/Tesco scheme in Kirkby.
The £400m plan is heavily dependent on retail. Indeed, one of the main reasons for a public inquiry is because of its potential impact on surrounding shopping centres.
The forthcoming hearing is likely to be held against a background of deepening gloom in the consumer market.
Opponents of the development will be lining up their witnesses to say that Merseyside, as a whole, has plenty enough shops for these harder times.
That line of reasoning will ignore the fact that Kirkby badly needs new retail outlets, and the economy would probably be on an upswing when the first ball was kicked in Everton’s new home.
The planning inspector and the Secretary of State may take the long view, but they may not.
That’s what Everton’s lawyers are urgently assessing now, ahead of an emergency board meeting planned for this week.
Back in April, I wrote about the difficulty a call-in of these plans would present to Tesco and Everton, which have prepared funding packages based on current costings.
One can see Tesco’s anxiety in their call for a quick inquiry.
I have a message for Tesco’s boss Sir Terry Leahy – there’s no such thing. I would be surprised if we get a decision before January, 2010. If it slips much further, it could become embroiled in the General Election that summer.
Everton’s lawyers may advise that it’s best to stick with Kirkby. The club has been through the wringer trying to find a commercial partner to make the new stadium a possibility.
However, what happens if, in 18 months’ time, the inspector and/or the Secretary of State turns the scheme down or modifies it in such a way that it cannot proceed?
It gives me no satisfaction to be writing these things. I respect the loyalty of a substantial body of Everton fans who want to stay in Liverpool. I respect the concerns of some residents in Kirkby about this major development disrupting their lives.
However, in my opinion, Knowsley Council is right to emphasise the importance of this regeneration project for Kirkby. The leader, Ron Round, is justified in his disappointment with Liverpool Council’s objection to the plan. The ability of the City region to work together has had a further setback.
But we are where we are and those lawyers advising Everton may listen to the siren voice of Liverpool Council leader Warren Bradley, who is urging the club to return to the table to find a site in the city. There is not a great fund of goodwill between the club and the council in this matter. Memories of the Kings Dock saga remain.
And, while we are revisiting well-beaten tracks, let’s not forget that the Northwest Development Agency remains committed to substantial regeneration investment in north Liverpool if a joint stadium for the two clubs can be resurrected.
