Fans of Everton FC have voted in favour of the club developing a new stadium scheme in the town of
The move would see the club move to a 50,000-seat stadium on an 80-acre site south of Kirkby town centre, with around 50 high street retail units and a Tesco superstore.
The proposed move has proved controversial, since it involves the club relocating outside the
The Everton board had already said it is in favour of the move but gave supporters the chance to vote in a poll overseen by the Electoral Reform Society.
In total, 25,761 fans voted, with 59% in favour and 41% against.
The stadium move is backed by Sir Terry Leahy, the chief executive of Tesco and an Everton supporter.
The club says it now has a “mandate” to continue negotiations with Tesco and Knowsley council to facilitate the move.
Knowlsey is required to consult further with residents and to draw up a masterplan for the site.
A planning application could follow next year.
