Everton stadium decision paves way for logistics scheme hailed as council’s ‘largest employment site’

Developer Stoford Developments and property management firm Gallan Group have announced that the redevelopment of an employment site in Liverpool is due to move forward.

The project will deliver 1.2 million sq ft of warehouse and logistics space at Stonebridge Cross, the brownfield site initially considered for Everton FC’s new stadium before the club settled on Bramley Moore Dock.

According to the joint MD of Stoford, Dan Gallagher, Everton’s decision means the development, to be known as Liverpool 57, can now go ahead.

The scheme will be delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Council and bring major investment along with hundreds of jobs, he said.

With work complete on an estate road at Stonebridge Cross and planning consent in place, the site ready for immediate development.

The city council said the 55-acre Liverpool 57 project has detailed planning permission secured for 1.2 million sq ft of B8 accommodation, offering “immediately deliverable” design and build solutions on both freehold and leasehold terms.

Industrial and warehouse units, located near Junction 4 of the M57, will range from 86,000 sq ft to 1.1million sq ft.

Dan Gallagher said: “Now that Everton FC has confirmed its plans, we are excited at the prospect of creating a first class industrial and logistics development at Liverpool 57.

“The project will generate significant inward investment to the city and provides businesses with design and build opportunities in an excellent location.”

He added: “We are excited at the opportunity to work alongside the council and play a key role in delivering its vision for the site.”

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson commented: “I’m delighted that the plans for Liverpool 57 at Stonebridge Cross are ready to begin being implemented.

“This is a critical strategic site for the city’s logistics economy and will deliver hundreds of much needed jobs. Now that Everton is pressing ahead with Bramley Moore Dock I look forward to the progression of Liverpool 57.”

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, who is also chair of the Stonebridge Cross Stakeholder Group, said of the scheme: “The Stonebridge Cross site is the city council’s largest employment site so it is truly fantastic news that it is now ready to begin large scale development following the successful rerouting of the River Alt and the creation of Alt Meadows Park.

“This progress also complements the changes the city council has brokered on the sites opposite at Stonebridge Business Park, and the relocation of the city’s Fruit Veg and Flower market, and we remain committed to making this important development zone a major engine of the local economy.”