McLaughlin & Harvey (McL&H) has been appointed to deliver a £50 million redevelopment project for Liverpool Football Club.

The Northern Irish contractor will redevelop Liverpool FC's Academy site in Kirkby, combining first team and Academy football training operations and facilities into one training campus site.

The new 9,200 sq m training centre will contain new first-team pitches and parking along with two gyms, a full-size sports hall, pool, hydrotherapy complex and specialist sports rehabilitation suites. There will also be dedicated TV studios, press conference facilities and office accommodation.

The scheme will also include the redevelopment of Knowsley Council's Eddie McArdle community playing fields at Simonswood Lane. Works include developing five upgraded football pitches, new changing rooms and associated facilities including car parking for 110 vehicles, a new pedestrian and cycle pathway, lighting and improved security.

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The new changing facilities on site will include six separate team changing rooms, coaches' changing room and a social room for team and community use. The community will also benefit from improved pitches, which will also be reconstructed with improved drainage.

Outline planning consent has been secured for the Club's existing first-team training ground, Melwood, which could provide up to 160 family homes in the area.

Andy Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at LFC, said: "Today represents a significant milestone in the club's history. We would like to thank Knowsley Council and local residents for their time and support throughout the planning stages of this project.

"This is a major step forward for the club and we're proud to be investing in the Knowsley area. Our aspiration to create a clear pathway for our young players through to the first team is an ambitious project. The site in Kirkby provides the ideal location for the new home of our elite performance centre and state-of-the-art training facility.

"The commitment to deliver this exciting project further demonstrates the continued investment by our owners and reinforces the identity of LFC as one of the top football clubs in Europe.

"The scheme will not only provide first-class facilities for our players and staff, but also help create quality sports facilities for the community of Kirkby to enjoy."

Cllr Tony Brennan added: "We are thrilled that LFC has chosen Knowsley as the location for this exciting new facility. Their major investment will not only bring benefits for the club but most importantly for the local community in Kirkby, who have been very supportive during this planning phase."

The project is expected to be completed in 2020.

(LM/MH)