Liverpool stadium expansion faces further delays as a new problem arises with contractors

Liverpool’s plans to expand the Anfield Road Stand have hit a new stumbling block as the main contractors plan to go into administration.

The £80 million stadium renovation project has been in the works since 2021 to increase the capacity to 61,000 by adding 7,000 seats.

However, the Reds announced last month that the new stand wouldn’t be ready for the start of the new Premier League season.

The Reds are poised for further delays after being notified that the stadium’s contractors Buckingham Group are going into administration.

The Merseysiders believe the setback will not impact the opening of the lower tier of the Anfield Road Stand for the first home game of the season against Bournemouth on Saturday.

They have also insisted that the club will work with Buckingham Group as planned for the remainder of the project.

“Buckingham Group has made us aware that it has filed for a notice of intention to appoint administrators,” said a club spokesperson (h/t the Guardian).

“This filing does not impact the planned opening of the new Anfield Road stand’s lower tier on Saturday for the match against Bournemouth.

“Following the successful test events earlier this week, Liverpool City Council’s building control team issued a safety certificate to operate the lower tier of the Anfield Road stand.

“We look forward to welcoming supporters to Anfield for our first Premier League home game of the season against Bournemouth.

“We will work with Buckingham Group on the planned phased opening of the remainder of the new stand and will continue to keep supporters updated on arrangements for future games.

“Specifically, our intention is to update all supporters who have a ticket for the Aston Villa match [on 3 September] at the earliest opportunity.”

Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the league opener and will aim to open their winning account against the Cherries tomorrow.