It has been confirmed Northern Ireland construction firm McLaughlin and Harvey will develop Liverpool FC’s new £50m training site.
Liverpool FC had previously announced it was to redevelop its academy in Kirkby and the neighbouring Eddie McArdle community playing fields for a combined first team and academy facility.
The new 9,200sq metre training centre, as well as playing pitches, will incorporate 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 redevelopment of the Eddie McArdle community playing fields includes five upgraded football pitches while 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.
Andy Hughes, Chief Operating Officer, Liverpool Football Club said: “Today represents a significant milestone in the Club’s history.
“This is a major step forward for the Club and we’re proud to be investing in the Knowsley area. Our aspirations 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 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.”
Reports of the NI company first being awarded the contract follows an announcement by the firm last month that it had opened a new office in Liverpool city centre.
Led by Philip Cheevers, McLaughlin and Harvey now employs around 450 people, with premises in Mallusk, Glasgow, London and Edinburgh.
The Liverpool deal follows confirmation earlier this year that the NI firm doubled its pre-tax profts to £11m in 2017.
London-based KSS is the architect tasked with designing the scheme.
It is currently involved in a similar project with Premier League rivals Leicester City. KSS also worked on the new Main Stand at Liverpool’s home ground Anfield and the new number one court at Wimbledon.
The work is expected to be completed by the spring of 2020.
