:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/40076760/458335197.0.jpg)
You'd be forgiven for thinking that the expansion of Anfield was already well on its way, given that renderings of the stadium came out in April, demolition of the surrounding area began in June, and a construction company won the bid for the project in July. But as with any building project, no matter how large or small, there's always the small matter of bureaucratic red tape to cut through.
In this case, the proposed expansion still needed to be approved by Liverpool City Council which — spoiler alert! — it was earlier this week, allowing the project to progress in much the same way as it had prior to official approval.
"This is a very important milestone in our ambitions to transform the Anfield area," said Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson, "bringing new jobs, investment and housing. Liverpool FC's proposals for the stadium are a key part of this."
Much has been made of the number of neighbourhood homes — 296 to be exact — demolished in order to make room for the addition to the Main Stand, but under the approved proposals 250 new homes will be built to make up some of the difference. A 100-bed hotel will also be built in the neighbourhood, providing a handy home-away-from-home for travelling Reds.
With construction set to be completed by August 2016, Liverpool's only obstacles going forward will be finishing the project on time and on budget now that they have the final approvals they need.
