Blues’ new stadium cost has escalated

The cost for the new stadium has reportedly escalated significantly, but Everton are focused on moving to Bramley Moore Dock for the start of the 2022-23 season.

It’s a good time to be an Everton fan. From the appointment of Sam Allardyce, to the youth setup and the overall financial situation, the club is in an excellent position.

Another sign of the Blues’ improved stability comes in the shape of their stadium situation. Back in March this year, they agreed a deal to acquire land at Bramley Moore Dock, to build a new stadium.

The agreement was seen as a game-changer for Everton, which would also help boost the local economy. As reported previously by Deborah Stone of The Express, the stadium should result in an additional estimated £900 million Gross Value for the region.

However, as is often the case with projects such as this, it won’t all be smooth running. More specifically, the cost is expected to be higher than originally anticipated.

When the plans for the new stadium were announced, the cost was expected to be around £300 million. However, as per a report from BBC Sport, it has been admitted this has now escalated significantly.

Chief executive Robert Elstone discussed the matter in a letter to fans. As per BBC Sport, he wrote:

"All our efforts during 2018 will be focused on meeting this challenging but achievable target. We are moving ever nearer to securing a significant proportion of the funding we will need to build the stadium.That funding target has escalated significantly and has occupied much of our efforts of the past 12 months. It’s a challenge that has always had the full support of Liverpool City Council and throughout 2017, we have been totally committed to finding a funding arrangement that works for the club and the city.More from Everton FC NewsFurther chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 PartnersMore madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 PartnersEverton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questionsTakeover talk again as 777 back in for Everton purchase after MSP withdrawalEverton striking legend Gray urges Dyche to put Beto and DCL up front"

Elstone is confident in the Blues’ ability to recoup the investment. He believes this will be possible, through a combination of naming rights and sponsorship.

There is also the addition of increased attendances to consider. While not confirmed, speculation has the new capacity as being anywhere between 50,000 and 60,000,

The ambition is for funding to be finalised and planning permission confirmed, sometime during 2018. Assuming this goes to plan, the aim is to begin playing at the new stadium at the start of the 2022-23 season.

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What’s your take on the cost reportedly escalating? Does it concern you at all, or is your main focus on Everton moving into their new stadium, irrespective of anything else? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.