A Legacy Preserved: Everton’s Plans for Goodison Park
After 133 years, Everton is set to bid farewell to their historic Goodison Park. The Toffees, under the guidance of David Moyes, will move to their new home at Bramley Moore Dock at the end of the season. This transition marks a significant chapter in the club’s history, but it does not mean that the community around Goodison Park will be forgotten. Instead, Everton has launched the Goodison Legacy Project, a comprehensive plan designed to ensure that the 3.39-hectare site continues to serve as an important community asset.
The Goodison Legacy Project: A Community Renewal
In April 2020, Everton submitted the Goodison Legacy Project to local government, outlining several initiatives to revitalize the area. The project includes the development of 173 residential units in 10 new blocks, with a focus on providing affordable and social housing. Additionally, a new health centre, residential care facilities, and an education facility are set to be built. These developments aim to address the ongoing needs of the local community, ensuring that the site remains a vibrant and essential part of the neighborhood.
Green Spaces and Economic Opportunities
The Goodison Legacy Project also commits to the creation of a park and new green spaces, providing local residents with much-needed recreational areas. These green spaces will serve as a natural oasis, enhancing the quality of life for the community. Furthermore, the plan includes the development of new office spaces, which could provide job opportunities for locals, helping to stimulate the local economy and create a more sustainable future for the area.
Preserving Everton’s Heritage
While the future of the site is being reimagined, Everton is determined to preserve the club’s significant footprint in the area. The famous statue of club legend Dixie Dean will remain at Goodison Park, rather than being moved to the new Bramley Moore Dock stadium. Similarly, the iconic southwest gates of Goodison Park will stay in place, serving as a constant reminder of the club’s rich history. These initiatives ensure that the community can continue to connect with the club’s heritage, even as it moves forward.
The New Era at Bramley Moore Dock
Everton’s new £760 million Bramley Moore Dock home is set to open with a 52,888 capacity, marking a significant step forward for the club. The new stadium will host its first event on Monday, when the Toffees’ Under-18s take on Wigan in a friendly match. This event will serve as a test, with 10,000 spectators expected to attend. Two more test events will follow before the stadium’s full opening at the start of the next season, ensuring that everything is in place for a smooth transition.
Farewell to Goodison: A Community Celebration
To mark the end of an era, Everton is planning a "Farewell to Goodison" festival from May 30 to June 1. The event will feature appearances from club legends, live music, and various activities to celebrate the club’s historic home. This festival is not just a goodbye but a celebration of the community and the memories that have been created at Goodison Park over the past 133 years. It will serve as a fitting tribute to a stadium that has been a cornerstone of the local community and a symbol of the club’s enduring legacy.
In summary, while Everton prepares to move to its new home at Bramley Moore Dock, the Goodison Legacy Project ensures that the club’s connection to the community remains strong. Through a combination of new development, green spaces, and the preservation of historic elements, Goodison Park will continue to serve as a vital and beloved part of the local landscape.
