Everton have requested Liverpool Council allow them to modify arrangements at their docklands stadium for years to come.
The club’s second Premier League campaign at the venue beside Bramley-Moore Dock began last Saturday following their historic departure from Goodison Park in 2025.
As well as hosting its first set of top-flight matches, the ground has already welcomed two rugby league fixtures and an England Women’s international fixture this season. Seasonal events including Oktoberfest celebrations and Christmas markets are also on the horizon for later this year.
The Merseyside club has now applied to the local authority to broaden the terms of its existing permission to stage non-sporting occasions on Regent Road. The request would increase the annual allowance from four to eight such events, a doubling of the original limit set in 2021.
The Toffees have asked for a variation to the planning conditions imposed when the stadium received approval five years ago. Those original conditions permitted the venue to accommodate four non-sporting occasions, such as concerts, at full capacity within any 12-month period.
Should councillors approve the modification, the stadium could welcome up to eight concerts annually. Of these, no more than two may extend until half past eleven in the evening, with all musical performances concluding by eleven o’clock.
In a planning document filed with the council, property advisers CBRE Limited set out Everton’s reasoning for the requested change on behalf of the club. The submission noted that while the stadium’s principal purpose remains football, the amendment would boost its potential as a versatile entertainment space.
This would support broader regional objectives to grow the city’s live music provision and consequently strengthen tourism and visitor-related business in the area, according to the document. The current restrictions are limiting the venue despite interest from event promoters, the submission continued.
The planning consultants stated the move would give Liverpool the chance to maximise its UNESCO City of Music designation by enabling additional live music occasions, which would in turn attract more visitors to the city.
The application arrives as Everton have set out plans to continue developing the area surrounding the stadium. Work is proceeding to restore the grade II listed hydraulic tower, with intentions to convert it into a sports bar for match days and other occasions.
Andrew Middleton, the club’s president of business operations, explained to the BBC how the transformation project was underway. The Western Terrace staircase will also be opened to supporters outside match days.
Mr Middleton indicated that pursuing additional concert and event opportunities would not prevent the club from progressing with other enhancements to the site.
While efforts are underway to secure initial performers for the venue, no specific dates or acts have been finalised at this point.
Liverpool Council has yet to confirm whether or when the planning application will be considered by committee members for determination.