Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton FC's Kirkby project: How the stadium fight was won and lost
Everton Kirkby Stadium [LNB]EVERTON'S plans to build a new stadium in Kirkby alongside a major Tesco supermarket have been rejected by the government.[LNB]Communities secretary John Denham decided the £400m Destination Kirkby project would breach shopping policies which discourage supermarket chains from sucking business away from town and city centres.[LNB]But the ECHO can reveal he was only convinced of that yesterday (Wed), two days before he was legally obliged to make up his mind.[LNB]A major factor behind his alleged dithering was the potential of the stadium project to regenerate Kirkby, provide the football club with a brand spanking new stadium, pour over £400m into the region, and create up to 7,000 short-term, long-term and supply jobs.[LNB]Everton FC last night refused to comment on the decision - which will be officially confirmed today - and the shattering of their dream of a new 50,000-capacity stadium.[LNB]But the club is expected to hold a press conference at Goodison Park this afternoon.[LNB]A spokesman for retail partner Tesco also refused to comment officially but admitted: "We're obviously bitterly disappointed and we need to take stock of the decision to decide what we say or do next."
