Premier League rivals had plans for bizarre 'Siamese-style' stadium but dropped idea
Liverpool and Everton have a rivalry that goes back generations and could have become even closer neighbours under radical plans.
The two clubs are less than a mile apart and there had been talk for many years of the two clubs collaborating on a new stadium project.
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Both Anfield and Goodison Park are historic stadiums, but as the years went by it became apparent that both were in need of major upgrades.
Both Liverpool and Everton We are exploring all possibilities for renovating, expanding or ultimately building new stadiums.
Securing sufficient funding for these projects proved to be the biggest hurdle, and that led to talk of the possibility of land sharing or collaborations.
While shared matches between two big teams are rare in English football, they are the norm elsewhere.
For example, AC Milan and Inter Milan share the San Siro, while Roma and Lazio play at the Stadio Olimpico.
Liverpool had plans approved in 2003 for a brand new 60,000-capacity stadium at Stanley Park, which would have opened in 2006, but a lack of funding meant the project never went ahead.
Under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, new plans were unveiled for a futuristic stadium that would seat 60,000 and could be expanded to 73,000 in the future.
Hicks and Gillette again struggled to raise the money for the project, leading to talks of a possible ground-sharing deal with rivals Everton.
In 2010 it was reported that the two clubs would jointly fund a new stadium. The Toffees themselves had plans to build a new ground at Kirkby rejected.
Both clubs have vehemently denied any talk of collaboration, but have received support from Liverpool City Council, which has urged them to do so.
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This was because it would have increased the city's chances of hosting matches at the 2018 World Cup, but that tournament ended up being held in Russia anyway.
To address these funding issues, a consortium, the Mersey Stadia-Connex Group, proposed a radical “Siamese-style” stadium that it said would save clubs between £180m and £200m.
The idea was that both plots would be built next to each other but would share a central spine, thus maintaining their independence but reducing the total cost.
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The unique design called for a 60,000-seat stadium for the Reds, while Everton's would be 50,000.
The plans also included a 300-bed hotel, many of them overlooking the playing field, as well as 150 executive boxes and a 1,350-space underground parking garage.
He Echo of Liverpool It was reported in 2010 that the group had held talks with Everton over the proposals, but had publicly rejected the idea.
The plans are said to have been sent to Liverpool but they have not responded to Mersey Stadia-Connex Group.
“We remain committed to building our new stadium at Stanley Park,” a club spokesman said.
A spokesman for Mersey Stadia-Connex Group said at the time: “We need to contact the potential new owners of Liverpool FC to inform them of this sensational investment opportunity.
“Most fans will understand the many advantages and financial implications.
“This scheme is different from all previous concepts over the last decade in that we believe it achieves all of the clubs’ objectives.
“Firstly, it appears that, short of the practicality of rebuilding Anfield and Goodison, they are aiming to offer their loyal supporters state-of-the-art 21st century facilities, increased capacity and transformed hospitality, whilst retaining the strongest link to their heritage, all in a way that offers the best value for money to ultimately enhance their performances and successes on the pitch.
Just as important as any of those just mentioned is the passionate desire to maintain independence from others.
“We are protecting that requirement through a brilliant design concept formulated by Merseysiders for Merseysiders, where what is required is an open mindset and a certain degree of cooperation.”
All plans for a new stadium for Liverpool were thwarted in 2012 when new owners Fenway Sports Group announced plans to redevelop Anfield to increase its capacity.
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The Anfield Road stand redevelopment was completed in 2024 and increased the stadium's capacity to 61,000.
The designs called for retaining the lower level and remodeling and expanding the upper level.
Expanding the Lord Kenny Dalglish The situation at the Kop stand would be problematic due to housing and a major road in the immediate vicinity.
Meanwhile, Everton have pressed ahead with plans for their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which was initially planned for the 2024/25 season.
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Delays saw this pushed back to 2025/26, with this campaign being the last at Goodison Park before the move to the new 52,000-capacity stadium.
However, after just three games, Sean DycheThe team already looks set to fight against relegation this season, having lost all of their games so far.
The new stadium is estimated to cost around £760m, largely paid for in loans from the owner. Farhad MoshiriThe implications of relegation could be huge for the ever-present Premier League club.
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