Bootle manufacturing boss Greg Johnson urges businesses in the area to ‘join the discussion’ on how Everton’s new £750m stadium can help transform the local economy. Tony McDonough reports
Everton’s new £750m stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock presents a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for the Bootle and south Sefton economy, a business leader claims.
But Greg Johnson, managing director of Bootle window and door manufacturer Warwick North West, says the benefits of the mega regeneration project at Liverpool Waters will not materialise by magic as he urged local businesses to “join the conversation”.
In early May, Sefton Council launched an online consultation asking local businesses for their view on how the stadium, now called the Hill Dickinson Stadium, can transform the area.
It seeks views on topics including transport, such as shuttle and bus services, business growth potential, increased footfall and spending on matchdays. The consultation is live until May 30. Click here to take part.
This topic was given further impetus at the UK REiFF property and investment conference in Leeds where a number of Liverpool city region businesses joined a discussion organised by Invest Liverpool City Region.
In particular it highlighted joint Liverpool and Sefton plans for a ‘New Town’ between north Liverpool and Bootle Strand which will also be a catalyst for the creation of “21st century jobs and skills pathways to future-proof local employment”.
Warwick North West, just a stone’s throw from the stadium, is already a major local employer with a headcount that exceeds 120 people. Greg believes the discussions taking place must lead to firm proposals on the benefits the new stadium can bring.
“Prior to the project starting there was a promise of a £1bn boost to the city region economy and tens of thousands of new jobs,” Greg told LBN.
“However, they will not materialise by force of gravity. We have to take those aspirations out of the abstract and make them a reality. Plans for the New Town are fantastic and we need to match that investment into new homes with investment into new businesses.
“Back in the 1980s the Merseyside Development Corporation was lauded for its regeneration of the Royal Albert Dock. That was certainly an impressive project but it eventually became a bit of a white elephant with shops closing down.
“It wasn’t until Liverpool ONE and the arena and convention centre were completed in 2008 that the Royal Albert Dock was reborn as a dynamic leisure destination.
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“Connecting assets is essential. Liverpool Waters, Ten Streets, the stadium, the New Town and the reimagining of Bootle Strand must all become part of a corridor of growth and prosperity. A vibrant stretch of land where people live, work and play.
“When the Port of Liverpool was more labour-intensive those streets along that corridor teemed with life. They can do again. Log on to the Sefton consultation today and join the conversation.”
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