Liverpool revealed plans for its "new first-team and academy training facility ahead of the proposed redevelopment of Kirkby," according to Amitai Winehouse of the London DAILY MAIL. The club is planning to spend £50M ($60.8M) on the works as its moves its senior players onto the same site as its youth team. Liverpool revealed "a number of improvements" that will be made to the academy grounds before Manager Jürgen Klopp's first team joins the facility north of its existing training site in Melwood. The improvements include:
- A "first-class covered training pitch to allow Liverpool's players to work on a full-size pitch throughout the year."
- An "upgraded" match pitch for the academy with floodlighting and a 499-capacity stand for academy staff and visitors.
- A new entrance way for first-team players arriving at Kirkby.
- The new building "will be designed to encourage integration between the first team and academy."
Liverpool will also purchase 14 acres of land at Simonswood to expand the current site. It expects to complete the work by '19 (
DAILY MAIL, 3/8). In London, Paul Joyce reported Liverpool "would sell Melwood for housing" if it receives permission. As part of the proposal, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council plans to provide "new and improved football pitches and sports facilities to the area," working closely with local football teams, including Kirkby AFC. The surrounding area "will also see improvements which include new dog-walking and cycling paths, new lighting and improved security with a CCTV system" (
LONDON TIMES, 3/8).
