Manchester City has announced that it has submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council for the development of a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium.
This follows the conclusion of the Club’s consultation held between Tuesday 28 February and Sunday 26 March, where fans and the local community were invited to share their feedback on concepts and designs. Having reviewed all of the feedback submitted via the consultation questionnaire, the Club has confirmed that fans were in favour of the concepts and proposals presented.
Proposals include several connected all-weather facilities, fully integrated into the stadium, centred around an expanded north stand with one larger, single upper tier above the existing lower tier, increasing capacity to over 60,000. Above the upper tier, a sky bar with views overlooking the pitch has been introduced, together with a stadium roof walk experience.
In line with the Club’s initial designs, a covered city square fan zone, with capacity for 3,000 people and a wide variety of food and drink outlets, a new club shop, museum and a 400-bed hotel are also proposed.
Modest workspace for use by start-up and medium-sized organisations looking to co-locate and collaborate with the Club, City Football Group and Etihad Campus partners also features in the planning submission.
Viewed from Joe Mercer Way, the hotel and food and drink outlets are situated on the left flank of the development with all other facilities contained within the right flank. LED screens which are approximately four stories in height will also feature at the end of each flank.
The Club’s proposals represent over £300m investment into east Manchester through a major construction project that would take up to three years to complete, offering 2,600 jobs prioritised for people from Greater Manchester.
Commenting on the submission of a planning application, Danny Wilson, Managing Director, 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.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our fans and the local community for their participation in our recent consultation, not only for completing the questionnaire but sharing their detailed comments and feedback with us, all of which has been carefully reviewed and considered.
“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.”
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