First incision of the first excavator, it may be more of a photo opportunity than actual construction but it still symbolically starts the largest stadium project north of London in many years!

Earlier today, work was officially launched on the new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. History was made as an Everton branded excavator made the first incision into the eastern quayside as work to develop the Club’s new 52,888 capacity waterfront home begins to gather pace.

© Everton FC

The groundbreaking is only ceremonial in this case, it doesn’t mark a construction milestone itself. As you may recall, Everton took hold of the plot on July 27 and immediately offered the space to general contractor Laing O’Rourke. It’s far too early for actual construction of the stadium but enabling works are extensive and it’s already a busy place.

Current efforts focus around delivery of the worker welfare facilities for thousands that will work here over the next three years. In total, 12,000 people (most of them off-site) will find temporary work around the project.

© Everton FC, BDP Pattern

Conservation of the dock’s historical elements, like its outer wall, main gate and hydraulic tower, also need to take place along preparation for construction of the stadium. Everton has recently pledged to spend more than £55m to preserve, restore and celebrate the heritage assets at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Major part of the operation will be delivery of the new infill for part of the dock where the stadium will stand, expected to begin in autumn. But before that happens, a number of surveys need to be carried out.

One of those already delivered considered potential unexploded WWII bombs, of which none were thankfully found. Before the dock is filled, all wildlife will be carefully removed and protected from re-entering the waters during infilling.

Author: MK