The first steel 'super column' has been installed at Bramley-Moore Dock as work continues to build Everton's new home.
The erection of the 18-tonne column, placed at what will be the north west corner of the ground, represents the latest landmark for the site. The first of more than 12,000 tonnes of steel set to be used on the project had arrived earlier this week.
The column will be connected to the concrete structure that already contains the staircase to the north west stand - and which is one of the structures visible beyond the site.
READ MORE: How Everton would have finished in the Premier League this season without VAR
READ MORE: The £97 million transfer mistake Kevin Thelwell and Everton must avoid this summer
The next 'super column' to be installed will be at the north east corner - meaning that in six weeks the steel framework set to run across the whole north stand should be in place. To help with the latest stage in the project, four tower cranes are set to arrive on site in the coming weeks. Each structure will be built at each of the corners of the ground as more of the stadium work becomes visible on the Liverpool skyline.
Commenting on the latest development Steve Farden, structural principal engineer for Laing O’Rourke, said: “It is a huge milestone for the project. I’ve been working on the project for two years and a lot of detailed planning has gone into preparing for the first steelwork column to go into the north west stand.
"It signifies the start of the construction of the structural steel frame, which in turn will enable us to commence the concourse works for the north stand. Within three weeks, the steelwork will be up to level two and connected to the concrete core in the corner. This then means we can start readying for the fit-out phase and working towards opening parts of the stand for fit-out and commissioning.”
