Everton have asked Liverpool Council for permission to double the number of concerts and live events held at Hill Dickinson Stadium, from four to eight a year, as the club seeks to expand its use of the waterfront venue.
The club’s second season at the Bramley-Moore Dock ground began last Saturday, following the move from Goodison Park in 2025. Alongside its Premier League fixtures, the stadium has already hosted two rugby events and an England Women’s international match, with Oktoberfest and Christmas markets also planned for later this year.
Planning change sought
Everton have applied to vary the conditions of the planning permission granted in 2021 during the stadium’s construction. That permission allowed four non-sporting events, such as concerts, to take place at full capacity within the stadium in any calendar year.
Should the change be agreed, the stadium would be allowed to host up to eight concerts, with no more than two continuing until 11.30pm and all music concerts finishing by 11pm.
Council submission
In a planning statement submitted to the city council, CBRE Limited, acting on behalf of Everton, said the proposed amendment seeks to enhance the stadium’s potential as a multi-use venue. The statement said: “While maintaining its principle role as a football stadium, the proposed amendment seeks to enhance the stadium’s potential as a multi-use venue.”
“This will support wider regional aims to increase the live music offer in the city region, and in turn boost the tourism and visitor economy.” The document described the existing conditions as “restricting” the stadium “despite the interest from events promoters.”
Further development
The planning agents added: “It provides the opportunity for Liverpool to capitalise on its status as a designated UNESCO City of Music, by allowing a greater number of live music events to be held in the city, which in turn will increase tourism in Liverpool.”
The application comes as Everton outlined plans to continue developing the site, including bringing the grade II listed hydraulic tower back into use. Andrew Middleton, the club’s president of business operations, told the BBC’s Giulia Bould that work was underway to transform it into a sports bar for matchdays and beyond. The Western Terrace steps will also be made accessible to fans on non-matchdays.
Mr Middleton said the move to hold more concerts and non-football events would not hold the club back in terms of making further improvements. While work is in progress to secure the first artists to play at the stadium, no dates or acts have been confirmed at this stage. Liverpool Council is yet to announce if and when the planning application will go before committee members for a decision.
