Everton applies to double event limit at stadium
Ian Hodgson/ReutersPremier League club Everton has applied to double the annual limit on concerts and other non-sporting events at its new stadium in Liverpool.
The existing planning condition allows four non-football events to take place at full capacity each year, including concerts and other sports.
Everton wants Liverpool City Council to allow eight full-capacity non-sporting events, with rugby and other sporting fixtures no longer counting towards the limit.
No decision on the application has been made at this stage. Everton's planning agent said current restrictions were preventing the stadium from hosting further events, despite interest from promoters.
Action Images via Reuters/Jason CairnduffThe application seeks to change the conditions attached when original planning permission was granted for the stadium in 2021.
CBRE, which submitted the application on behalf of Everton Stadium Development Limited, said the change would "enhance the stadium's potential as a multi-use venue", while retaining its main role as a football ground.
It said additional live music events could attract more visitors and spending to the area, support jobs and help Liverpool build on its status as a Unesco City of Music.
Under the proposals, no more than two of the eight events could continue until 23:30, with music required to finish by 23:00.
No artists or concert dates have been announced.
An assessment submitted by the applicant estimates additional events means the stadium would support 295 operational jobs, compared with 184 in the original 2020 assessment.
It also estimates its annual contribution to the economy would increase from £4.9m to £9.2m.
The applicant's environmental assessment says four additional events would not materially affect annual traffic levels or average air pollution levels.
It said existing measures covering transport, noise, and any other impacts relating to large-scale events would continue to apply.
The ground has since hosted the Rugby League Ashes, Super League's Magic Weekend, a rugby union international between Fiji and England, and a Women's World Cup qualifier between England and Ukraine.
Other events announced for later this year include Docktoberfest and Christmas markets.
Separately, the club is developing other parts of the site, with plans to turn the Grade II-listed hydraulic tower into a sports bar and open the Western Terrace steps on non-matchdays.
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