"Anfield Regeneration Must Go Beyond Liverpool FC, Experts Say"

A multi-million-pound redevelopment of one of Liverpool’s key districts must extend beyond its world-famous football club, according to local leaders.

The transformation of Anfield, which includes major upgrades to Walton Breck Road and surrounding streets, could begin next year following Liverpool Council’s approval to move forward with detailed designs. This is part of the ongoing £300m regeneration programme launched in 2014, which has already impacted areas around Stanley Park, the Liverpool FC stadium concourse, and other nearby locations. The council aims to make Anfield a “model for urban regeneration,” continuing the area’s revitalisation, which started with the demolition of old Victorian terraces 20 years ago.

Anfield ward members welcomed the new proposals but cautioned that the area still suffers from a lack of essential infrastructure, with skepticism remaining until “a spade goes in the ground.” The plans include significant improvements to highways and public spaces along Walton Breck Road, Hodder Street, and the site of the former Four Oaks school, which is earmarked for residential development. Planned highway upgrades include wider pavements, safer pedestrian crossings, lower speed limits (from 30mph to 20mph), new bus shelters, additional seating, and tactile paving for visually impaired residents.

Cllr Billy Marrat emphasised that this project has been in the works for over a decade, with delays and setbacks causing frustration. He highlighted the absence of basic amenities, saying, “There are no shops, no nothing” in the area, but expressed hope that the new developments will finally address these issues. He also called for the creation of a community centre on the land known as Anfield Square, a longstanding aspiration of local residents. “They’ve put up with a lot—Liverpool FC, pop concerts—they’ve gone along with it, even if they didn’t like it. They deserve to see this happen,” he added.

A council report stated that the regeneration would create a more “attractive, accessible, and connected” environment to improve the quality of life for residents. Cllr Lena Simic, who has represented Anfield since 2019, warned that while the highway upgrades are welcome, the area still lacks critical infrastructure. “We need to think holistically,” she said. “We need a community centre, shops, and to co-design these things with residents at the forefront. The local economy can’t just prioritize Liverpool Football Club—it has to serve the community.”

Simic emphasised the absence of basic amenities, arguing that Anfield often feels like an area centred solely around matchdays.

Liverpool Council leader Cllr Liam Robinson acknowledged Anfield’s global significance but stressed that it also boasts a “strong and proud community.” He assured residents that the council is committed to delivering results, saying, “Let’s get spades in the ground and make this a reality.”

Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, added that this stage of the regeneration had been a year in the making. He expressed hope that the project would bring lasting benefits to both the Anfield and Everton communities, capturing more local economic value for residents.