Liverpool have confirmed plans to move their training facilities to Kirkby.
A £50 million redevelopment of the Reds’ youth academy in Kirkby will see the club’s first-team players leave their existing Melwood base after over 50 years.
Jurgen Klopp had previously hinted at a merger with the centre of excellence and Anfield officials have today unveiled their proposal for the seismic change.
A joint venture between the club and Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council (KMBC) will see a new combined training centre on the current Academy site.
The main pitch, on which Liverpool’s under-18 team often play, will be converted into an indoor facility while local clubs are being consulted on upgrading existing community facilities.
A six-hour public consultation is set to be held on March 8 at Northwood Community Centre for Kirkby residents and the wider community.
Feedback is also being gauged from residents near Melwood on proposals for 160 family homes to be built on the historic West Derby location.
Andy Hughes, Liverpool’s chief operating officer, said: “Our proposed plans to bring the first team and young players together in one location is a really exciting proposition.
“The scheme includes state-of-the-art facilities which will be used to support the development of our players and provides all-weather training options.
“We are also working closely with Knowsley Council on plans to make substantial improvements for the local community.
“These include new and improved football pitches and sports facilities to support grass roots and amateur football teams, and developments to the surrounding areas for local residents.
“We recognise that Melwood has played a significant role in the club’s success and forms an important part of our history.
“However, the Melwood site is limited in space and is unable to accommodate our longer-term ambitions, which is why we are exploring options on the Academy site.
“We are encouraging our neighbours and local residents in Kirkby to attend to the public consultation to see the proposals first hand.”
For more information on the Kirkby proposal, visit www.simonswoodlaneconsultation.co.uk. Melwood plans can be viewed at www.melwoodconsultation.co.uk