Joe Anderson and Derek Hatton will stand trial on bribery charges next year.
The former Mayor of Liverpool and ex-deputy leader of the council were among 12 people charged last month as part of an investigation into historic building contracts.
Police originally detained Anderson under suspicion to commit bribery and witness intimidation, leading to his resignation as council leader in December 2020.
The 67-year-old appeared at Preston Magistrates Court on Friday alongside the accused, which included his son David Anderson, Hatton and his wife Sonjia.
Former council director of regeneration Nick Kavanagh and his ex-assistant director Andrew Barr were also present with building magnates Julian and Paul Flanagan.
The court heard that the defendants’ cases will be heard across three separate trials in 2026 with Anderson and Hatton set to be back in the dock from October 5, 2026.
Anderson previously protested his innocence when all 12 were summoned to appear at a preliminary hearing in Preston at the end of March.
“I’ve cooperated with the police since day one. I’ve provided them with information, I’ve answered every question that they’ve put to me,” he said at the time.
“It’s been four and a half years of hell waiting to get to this stage.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve now got to the stage where a crown court hearing will be heard, where people can actually get to see all of the evidence and what I’ve been accused of.
“I’ve defended myself and protested my innocence from day one. I will continue to do so because I have done nothing wrong.
“I’ve always put the city of Liverpool and its people first and will always continue to do so. I look forward to getting the opportunity to go to court and actually clear my name.
“I can’t comment on the things that have been said because it’s a live case and thank you.”