July 28 – Manchester City’s development plans for the expansion of the Etihad Stadium to more than 60,000 by 2026 have been approved by Manchester City Council.
The development will see an extension of the stadium’s North Stand, alongside a plethora of new all-weather facilities. Other additions include the construction of a covered ‘City Square’ fan zone, which will hold a capacity of 3,000, on the footprint of the stadium.
Expansion will also see a new club shop and museum, additional food and drink outlets, a workspace, sky bar overlooking the pitch, roof walk experience, similar to that of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and a 400-bed hotel.
The costs of the development are estimated at more than £300 million and will take up to three years to complete. The club said that 2,600 jobs will be prioritised for people from Greater Manchester.
Construction will commence on-site in November 2023, with the North Stand scheduled to be complete and open during the 2025/26 season. The other facilities have a finishing date of late 2026.
Commenting on the approval of the Club’s planning application, Danny Wilson, Managing Director, Manchester City Operations, said: “We are delighted that Manchester City Council’s planning committee has approved the Club’s proposals for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium.
“This development will not only enable the Club to enhance and expand its offering to fans and visitors on both matchday and non-matchday, but it will also create lasting long-term economic and social benefits for our local community, building on the regeneration work City Football Group has delivered in East Manchester since 2008.”
Whilst the capacity of the second tier in the North Stand will be temporarily reduced during construction, the club have assured Season Ticket Members and Cityzens Matchday Members with tickets in this area that their experience will not be impacted during the 2023/24 season.
Season ticket holders in the second tier of the North Stand that are impacted by the reduced seating from the 24/24 season will be contacted directly by the club to arrange temporary seats elsewhere in the stadium until the work is completed.
See: Man City submit £300m plan to expand Etihad Stadium and create entertainment complex.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1715330121labto1715330121ofdlr1715330121owedi1715330121sni@o1715330121fni1715330121