Keeping Everton in Our City

Keeping Everton In Our City (KEIOC) and Liverpool FC Supporters' Union Spirit of Shankly have co-written an open letter to various organisations requesting that they co-fund an independent feasibility study to evaluate the viability and potential of the proposed Football Quarter. Please note that the Football Quarter concept does not involve a shared stadium.

The full open letter can be found here.

Recently, some local media outlets have published that the Football Quarter concept would cost £700million but the Liverpool Echo has now clarified the situation. A Facebook Fan Page for the Football Quarter concept has also been established.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/views/our-view/2010/03/11/liverpool-echo-defends-its-bite-back-campaign-after-reader-claims-it-is-anti-dogs-100252-26006414/2/

THE future homes of our two great Premier League football clubs continue to exercise fans. Last week, we reported on how a top-level meeting on new grounds for Liverpool and Everton had failed to deliver progress. The article mistakenly stated that the cost of a proposed football quarter had been estimated at £700m-plus.

This figure, taken from an earlier report, was specifically in reference to a comparison between a redeveloped Goodison Park and Arsenal's Emirates stadium, not the football quarter concept. It was stated that £700m was the cost of Arsenal's Emirates stadium. In fact, the Emirates cost about £360m. We are happy to put the record straight.

All Together Now
C/O Spirit of Shankly
EDT
98 Great Homer Street
Liverpool
L5 3LF

12 March 2010

OPEN LETTER TO:
Cllr Warren Bradley, Leader of the City Council
Cllr Joe Anderson, Leader of the Labour Group
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive NWDA
Michael Brown, Vice Chancellor, LJMU
Sir Howard Newby, Vice Chancellor, University of Liverpool
Robert Elstone, CEO, Everton Football Club
Christian Purslow, CEO, Liverpool Football Club
Lorraine Rogers, Chief Executive, The Mersey Partnership

We are writing jointly, on behalf of the Keeping Everton In Our City campaign and the Spirit of Shankly group, to formally request that your organisation co-funds an independent feasibility study to evaluate the viability and potential of the proposed Football Quarter.

Over the past decade the issues surrounding both clubs’ stadia problems have not only put the regeneration of their respective communities and surrounding areas at serious risk but they have restricted the development and progress of both of our clubs which are recognised as key drivers of the local and regional economy.

Liverpool and Everton fans have therefore joined forces to campaign for the creation of a world class football quarter; an area which would maximise the commercial opportunities for both clubs and make a groundbreaking, far reaching social and economic impact on the areas surrounding Anfield, Goodison Park and beyond.

Commissioning the study would provide an independent assessment of the huge potential the project would have on some of the most deprived areas of the UK. Our aim is to ensure the football quarter delivers the following:

• Improvement to the urban character, public realm and transport
• Health initiatives involving sport and training facilities
• Education through providing pathways to higher and further education
• Economic development as a key driver of change and growth
• A sense of place for visitors and residents alike
• A reinforcement the city’s status as a world centre for football

This alliance reflects our commitment to doing all we can to boost the development of our local communities and the wider city region. Action needs to be taken now. Please consider our request seriously.

Yours sincerely

Paul Rice
Vice President
Spirit of Shankly

Dave Kelly
Chair
Keeping Everton In Our City