Everton unveils new stadium
Everton's New Era Begins with Stadium Handover
Everton FC has officially taken control of its new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Vauxhall, Liverpool, following a three-and-a-half-year construction project led by Laing O’Rourke. The handover marks a major milestone in the club’s history, as it prepares to transition into its modern 52,888-seater home in time for the 2025/26 season.
Everton fans got their first view inside the club's new ground at a Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium test event last month (17/02), when the doors were opened for the first time to 10,000 lucky Toffees fans successful in a ballot for an under-18s friendly against Wigan, with Youth player Ray Robert (16) putting his name in the history books as the first Everton player to score at the team's new home.
With a capacity of 52,888, the stadium will be the seventh-biggest in the Premier League and has been selected to host matches at Euro 2028. It is hoped the project will contribute an estimated £1.3bn to the local economy.
The stadium’s construction at the historic dockyard presented unique engineering challenges. Laing O’Rourke’s team infilled Bramley-Moore Dock with 480,000 cubic metres of sand sourced from the Irish Sea, ensuring a stable foundation. Before construction commenced, the site underwent extensive preparation, including the preservation of the Grade II listed dock wall and the safe removal of World War II ordnance.
Modern Construction Techniques
Over 14,000 precast concrete units – from innovative double-terracing to the columns, beams, twin walls, lattice slabs, and façade panels – were needed to complete the project, with modern construction techniques playing a significant role in Laing O’Rouke delivering the project efficiently.
The company installed more than 2700 pile foundations, before casting the sub-structure to support the superstructure of the new stadium, while also being responsible for the installation of the many thousands of pre-cast concrete components which form the main structure, and the installation of the below ground infrastructure and utilities.
Expanded Piling/Geotechnical arrived on site in October 2021 and were there for 10 months. During this time the team completed 2,776 piles, before casting the sub-structure to support the super-structure of the new stadium, while also being responsible for the installation of the many thousands of pre-cast concrete components which form the main structure, and the installation of the below ground infrastructure and utilities.
Explore Manufacturing produced the first pre-cast concrete panels with Expanded installing them on site in December 2021. In total, Explore manufactured 564 twin walls, 651 columns, and 3,844 lattice planks at its off-site facility, delivering each component to site at the precise moment required for installation into position. By using this modern method of construction, Laing O’Rourke was able to save time and provide certainty to Everton FC.
Concrete Terrace Construction
Another key milestone in its construction was the installation of the final concrete terracing panel in February 2024, marking the completion of the structural work within the stadium bowl. The first concrete terrace was positioned in August 2022, and over the next 18 months, all 1,988 double-stepped units were installed, completing the four stands. Each terrace unit, averaging just under 9.5 tonnes in weight, was meticulously lifted into place, secured with high-strength grout, and sealed for weatherproofing.
The innovative use of double-stepped units, a first for Laing O’Rourke, significantly reduced the number of lifts required and expedited the construction process. The installation also minimised the time spent working at heights and improved weathertightness within the stadium. In total, 33km of mastic was applied within the bowl to ensure structural integrity and protection from the elements.
Construction of the £550 million stadium was completed in 178 weeks, with Laing O’Rourke leveraging its integrated supply chain and modern methods of construction to streamline the process. The project forms part of the £5.5 billion Liverpool Waters regeneration scheme, which spans over 2 kilometres along the River Mersey and includes £1 billion of ongoing developments.
In November 2024, Homes England announced a £56 million investment to support infrastructure works in a new neighbourhood within the Liverpool Waters area.
Sustainability and Digital Innovation
Everton’s new stadium incorporates several sustainability initiatives. The perforated aluminium roof allows for effective rainwater drainage, feeding into two subterranean tanks that provide water for pitch maintenance and restroom facilities. Laing O’Rourke also utilised hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel to reduce carbon emissions, while 99% of construction waste was diverted from landfill.
Digitally, the project was a breakthrough for Laing O’Rourke. The entire build process was coordinated through digital models rather than traditional blueprints.
A Community-Driven Project
The stadium’s development, dubbed The People’s Project, has provided lasting benefits for the local community. Over the past three years, it has created 654 new jobs, offered 118 apprenticeships, and engaged 24,000 students in STEM initiatives. More than £235 million has been spent locally, supporting businesses and driving regional economic growth.
Project director Gareth Jacques highlighted the wider impact, stating: “Everton plays a huge role in Liverpool, and we wanted our work to leave a lasting legacy. From job creation to engaging with schools and charities, this project is about more than just a stadium—it’s about people.”
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