Laing O’Rourke selected for Etihad extension

1 April 2014 09:21 Jessica Middleton-Pugh Comments (0)

Manchester City FC has confirmed the appointment of Laing O'Rourke as its construction partner to expand the Etihad Stadium from 47,500 to 60,000 seats.

Laing O'Rourke is the main contractor while design practice Populous will oversee the construction phase of the project. Planning permission to increase capacity was granted last month.

The first phase will expand the South Stand by 6,000 seats to increase stadium capacity to 54,000. The development of the North Stand, which is a later phase of the project, will take capacity to 60,000.

Laing O'Rourke led on the initial stadium development when it was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Tom Glick, chief commercial officer of Manchester City FC, said: "The expansion of the stadium is a hugely significant moment for City.

"Manchester City Football Club strives to provide its supporters and visiting fans with one of the best possible match day experiences in the Premier League and European football. The success of this is demonstrated by games being sold out and rising demand from supporters for more season tickets, match day tickets and premium seating.

"Expanding the stadium allows us to grow that offering as we constantly work towards excellence for every supporter that visits the Etihad Stadium."

Steve Coleby, leader for Laing O'Rourke's construction UK business, said: "Our team is known for delivering logistically complex engineering work, combining expertise from across the Laing O'Rourke Group and our specialist businesses. This, along with our use of the latest Digital Engineering technologies, will help us to deliver efficiently with minimal disruption during match days, concerts and other events hosted throughout the year."