The iconic home ground of Liverpool FC, Anfield, is currently undergoing a delayed stadium redevelopment, leaving one end of the stadium empty. Liverpool fans eagerly await updates from the club regarding the expansion of the Anfield Road stand.
The club initially announced plans to increase Anfield’s capacity and update its facilities, with a particular focus on the Anfield Road end, which faces Stanley Park. These plans were approved by local authorities, and construction work commenced in July 2021, spanning two seasons, international breaks, and preseason campaigns.
However, despite the originally scheduled completion date at the end of August 2023, the construction work has come to a halt due to financial administration issues faced by the primary construction firm involved. This abrupt stoppage has resulted in a noticeable empty section within the famous stadium.
The final phases of the Anfield Road end redevelopment were intended to occur in the opening weeks of the 2023/24 season. Builders required an empty stand to remove part of the stadium roof. Initially, Liverpool had requested that their first three matches be played away from home, but they ultimately agreed to have only their opening fixture as an away game, which ended in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Subsequently, Liverpool played their first home match of the season, a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on August 19. However, the upper tier of the stand remained closed, as safety inspectors deemed only the lower tier fit for use, creating the appearance of an empty section.
Delayed Stadium Redevelopment Leaves One End of Anfield Empty
The unexpected pause in construction can be attributed to the financial difficulties faced by the construction firm, The Buckingham Group, which filed for administration due to cash-flow issues. As a result, all staff working on the upgrade were instructed to stop work on August 17. Liverpool and The Buckingham Group are currently collaborating to find a solution for the project.
Liverpool has confirmed that they are working toward a “phased opening” of the redeveloped stand. However, it will remain partially closed for the visit of Aston Villa on September 3.
If Liverpool successfully completes the projected capacity increase, it will elevate the club to the fourth position on the Premier League’s list of stadium capacities, with Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road at the bottom.
Premier League Stadium Capacities for the 2023/24 Season:
- Manchester United – Old Trafford – 74,310
- Tottenham Hotspur – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – 62,850
- West Ham United – London Stadium – 62,500
- Liverpool – Anfield – 61,000 (projected)*
- Arsenal – Emirates Stadium – 60,704
- Manchester City – Etihad Stadium – 53,400
- Newcastle United – St. James’ Park – 52,305
- Aston Villa – Villa Park – 42,657
- Chelsea – Stamford Bridge – 40,343
- Everton – Goodison Park – 39,414
- Sheffield United – Bramall Lane – 32,050
- Brighton & Hove Albion – AMEX Stadium – 31,800
- Wolverhampton Wanderers – Molineux – 31,750
- Nottingham Forest – City Ground – 30,332
- Fulham – Craven Cottage – 29,600
- Crystal Palace – Selhurst Park – 25,486
- Burnley – Turf Moor – 21,944
- Brentford – Brentford Community Stadium – 17,250
- Bournemouth – Dean Court – 11,307
- Luton Town – Kenilworth Road – 10,356
*Projected capacity increase for Liverpool’s Anfield.