People living opposite an empty site in the shadow of Anfield stadium have described the state of the area as a “disgrace”.
Anfield Square, a plot owned by Liverpool City Council and located off Walton Breck Road, has stood empty since the mid-2010s. Previous proposals to build a hotel there never came to fruition, and in 2023 the council said it would be “placing an emphasis on a new development that is rooted and focused on community inclusion”. Several people on Pulford Street said they have been told the current proposal involves a community hub and children’s day centre. Workmen are often seen tidying the land and cutting grass, and there is also a plan to block off car traffic at the top of Pulford Street where it meets Back Rockfield Road with bollards.
Former streets left behind green fences
Over the last 30 years, rows of terraced housing around the Liverpool FC ground have been knocked down. Venmore Street now has new detached and semi-detached houses, while Tinsley Street disappeared from the map to make way for 97 Avenue and a plaza outside the expanded Main Stand.
Bagnall Street and Baltic Street, however, have been empty since the mid-2010s. Their road markings and lampposts remain visible behind green fences. Residents on Pulford Street, which sits opposite the site, told the ECHO this week they are fed up with the lack of action.
“I keep my blinds shut”
Maggie, who has lived on Pulford Street since 1986, told the ECHO in 2014 that she was increasingly isolated as former neighbours moved on and had been “left in limbo” over plans for the site. More than ten years later, she said nothing has changed.
Looking at the empty land, she said: “I keep my blinds shut so I don’t have to look at it. It’s like being in prison. Nothing ever comes (of proposals). At night, there are rats the size of cats there. They eat the wiring underneath the cars.”
Maggie was also critical of the street itself, saying residents are not allowed to set up front gardens. Pointing to pebbles appearing under the fading tarmac, she said: “We’re in dire straits. Look at the state of our road.
“I’m 80 now. I’ve been in the street now for over 40 years. I hate it. I would move if it wasn’t for my age. Bricks have started coming off my roof. It’s a disgrace. It’s the worst street around there.”
“We are but minnows”
Neil Jones, 68, has lived on the street for 17 years. He said: “When the new (Main Stand) was built, we were told all sorts.”
“We are but minnows. All that’s been for us since (the houses were knocked down) is the green fence and blue mesh has been put up.” Asked what he would like to see built, he replied: “Anything but what it is now. Anything as long as it’s not an HMO. Even a car park for the stadium. The corporations need to bang their heads together.”
Lol Connell, who has lived on the street for seven years, was equally pessimistic. He said: “I think (the council) should have done something like years ago when the houses were knocked down instead of leaving it like this.
“They still cut the grass there. The council keeps saying they’re doing something for the residents. It’s a load of bulls***.
“They say they’re going to do this, going to do that. They say something to get you off their backs. You just give up.”
Council says plans progressing
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “Anfield Square forms a key part of Liverpool City Council’s wider regeneration programme for the Anfield area.
“The council has completed the work needed to bring the land together into a single development site and is progressing plans for its future development.
“It is intended that any future development opportunities will make a significant contribution to the ongoing transformation of the neighbourhood. Proposals for the site will be brought forward through the appropriate decision-making and planning processes.
“Alongside this, the council is continuing to invest in the surrounding area through a major programme of public realm and highway improvements, including works affecting Pulford Street, Walton Breck Road and neighbouring streets. These improvements are designed to create a safer, greener and more attractive environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
“We recognise that residents are keen to see progress and we will continue to keep local people informed as plans for Anfield Square develop and future milestones are reached.”
Work on Walton Breck Road, part of the wider Anfield Regeneration Programme, is scheduled to begin in May. It includes resurfaced carriageways and footpaths, upgraded pedestrian crossings and enhanced bus stop facilities, and is expected to take seven months.
