After a temporary silence on the subject, Liverpool director Ian Ayre has provided further details on the decision-making process that will determine whether Liverpool stays at Anfield or builds a new stadium at nearby Stanley Park. For the moment it seems that the Liverpool leadership favours a longer stay at Anfield.
The director said that despite the silence Liverpool has been working hard behind the scenes to come to a decision, and mentioned talks with local residents as one of the key issues. These talks relate to a possible redevelopment of Anfield, which would mean building upwards, and the “right to light” of these residents.
As a larger Anfield means reduced sunlight for the nearby housing, the club will have to come to an agreement with the affected residents. This will likely involve financial compensation, and though Ayre has revealed that progress is being made, a final deal has not been reached yet.
At the same time the director stated that a move to nearby Stanley Park is still a viable option. A necessary condition would be a naming rights deal, for which there do seem to be a few interested parties, according to Ayre.
All in all, Liverpool owner John W Henry seems to be favouring a longer stay at Anfield. The club has already established that the more modest 2003 plans are the most realistic for a new stadium, but it still fears the investment of £300 million for a stadium that would only increase capacity with 15,000 seats.
The club says that it is getting closer to making a final decision, which may be reached sooner than scheduled, though what the exact schedule is, is unknown.