An application had been made to review the premises licence granted for the siteDan Haygarth Liverpool Daily Post Editor and Regeneration Reporter
15:02, 17 Sep 2025Updated 16:02, 17 Sep 2025
The area in what would be The Holy Trinity fan zone(Image: Liverpool Echo)
An Everton-themed fan zone opposite the club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium has cleared a hurdle to opening after an application to review its licence was withdrawn in a surprise move. Designs for The Holy Trinity fan park, to be found at a former timber storage yard at 35 Regent Road were revealed in February, planning to serve matchday crowds as the Blues make Bramley-Moore Dock their home.
It took its name of The Holy Trinity in tribute to the Blues’ legendary 1960s midfield of Alan Ball, Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey. The ECHO understands none of the players’ families were consulted on the naming of the venue or are connected with it in any way – nor are Everton FC.
According to planning documents submitted to Liverpool City Council, the development would consist of a marquee of simple rectangular design and its main use will be to complement the new Everton stadium for servicing the expected number of spectators. It is anticipated to use the entire space to serve food and drink.
A licensing application was granted by the city council earlier this year, permitting operators Mersey View Leisure to operate from 9am to midnight daily. This includes the sale of alcohol on the premises.
However, an application was made in July to review the granted premises licence. Submitted by Philip Smith from building control at Liverpool City Council, the application to review was made on public safety grounds, citing concerns over the movement of people and the construction of the marquee.
A CGI image of what the marquee structure might look like(Image: FrancisDonovan/Spire Design)
Representations in the application said: “The estimated occupancy numbers that will be within the marquee, circa 1,500 people, whilst an event is taking place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium has the potential to impact on the safe egress out of the exit gates from the East Plaza, both when it is being used for a sporting event or concerts.”
It added: “The proposed marquee is unlikely to achieve compliance with relevant building regulations and hence the people using the facility would be exposed to a building/structure which fails to meet the minimum health and safety criteria that is expected under national standards for such a proposed place of assembly and recreation.
“The creation of such a site for large numbers to gather for drinking in such proximity to the stadium and its entrance/exit gates, has the potential to lead to confrontation with opposing supporters during the football season. This then could lead to a further public safety matter, which could impact on safe ingress and egress out of the stadium.
“Whilst it is fully appreciated that policing will be present at the ground and external areas, this site used as a large drinking venue will significantly impact on safety.”
It was revealed in a meeting of the local authority’s licensing and gambling sub-committee on Wednesday (September 17) that the application to review the licence had been withdrawn. As such, the meeting was concluded in around a minute.
The surprise decision means that if the marquee secures planning permission and can open, it will be able to operate as a licensed premises.
However, the ECHO reported in June that the development faced an investigation after concerns were raised about the construction of the marquee across from the stadium. It was then confirmed in July that a stop order had been placed on the development.
An application for planning permission for the site was refused on September 4, with a number of reasons – including its design, its integration into the surrounding area and a failure to demonstrate how it would be compatible with nearby businesses – cited in the refusal.