Manchester City tables plans for £300m stadium project
Increasing the capacity of the Etihad Stadium to 60,000, as well as transforming the ground into a year-round entertainment and leisure destination, are among the proposals put forward by the football club.
While Manchester City chases a hat-trick of trophies on the pitch this season, the club is also seeking to improve the experience for fans off it.
A planning application has been submitted to Manchester City Council for a host of projects, including increasing the capacity by 7,700 by adding an additional tier to the North Stand.
The revamped North Stand will also feature a sky bar, and a roof walk experience.
The proposals also include several connected all-weather facilities, fully integrated into the stadium, a covered City Square fan zone with capacity for 3,000 people, a new club shop, museum, and a 400-bed hotel.
Plans for 43,000 sq ft of offices are also included to provide coworking space for start-up and medium-sized organisations.
- Credit: via Man City FC
- Credit: via Man City FC
The project represents a “£300m investment into East Manchester” that could take three years to complete, according to the club.
Architect Populous is understood to be leading on the project.
Danny Wilson, managing director of Manchester City Operations, said: “Over several months we have been developing concepts and designs for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium and are delighted to have now submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council.
“As with all Club developments, ensuring our local community benefit is a key priority and we believe these proposals will deliver long-term economic and social opportunities, building on the regeneration work delivered in East Manchester by City Football Group since 2008.”
Since 2008, Manchester City has overseen more than £700m of private sector investment into the region.
The club recently invested in the Co-Op Live arena, a 23,500-capacity venue, in a joint venture with developer Oak View Group.
Very good – inward investment and job creation is of vita importance
By Stuart wood
What’s the point, just for the derby?
By Fruitman
Really exciting development to add further investment and jobs to a once thriving part of our city. As a local resident I’m absolutely delighted with whats gone on over the past 20 years. The future is bright.
By Anonymous
Not a city fan but you can’t deny the money that’s been pumped into that part of town over the years and the relationship with the council.
By Anonymous
This is an exemplar of a sports led public / private sector regeneration partnership.
By Chris
What’s the plan for the carbon off set? Maybe a small park funded by the investors?!
By Manc
Re Fruitman.
Why the negativity?
The investment by the owners of Manchester City in that area of Manchester has been exceptional.
It looks to me as though the developments are something similar to the Wembley stadium and arena area I. e making it an all year round entertainment venue.
By Peter Chapman
Nothing wrong with this. All legitimately funded with the highest ethical standards.
By Anonymous
Some comment from ‘Anonymous’ complaining about the funds being ‘unethical’. The xenophobia towards City’s owners clouds the minds of most uneducated people. This investment along with historic has turned the east part of Manchester from an area of squalor to a thriving contributor towards Manchester’s exponential growth in the last 10 years, LONG MAY IT CONTINUE!
By Tom
Anonymous 19/04 @8.29am. While area paid for with the profit from bailing out Barclays bank in the last crash. Also, no balconies…!
By John0407