Manchester City to spend £300m to extend Etihad Stadium capacity to over 60,000
- 29 Jul 2023
Manchester City have been granted approval to build a hotel and new entertainment complex next to the Etihad Stadium as part of stunning £300 million plans to expand the ground’s capacity to over 60,000.
In a move designed to turn their Etihad home into one of Europe’s leading sports destinations, City have been given the go-ahead to transform the existing site, according to the London-based Daily Telegraph newspaper.
Apart from a 400-bed hotel, the Premier League and European champions intend to construct a City museum, new club shop and workspace and a covered fan zone featuring a wide variety of food and drink outlets with capacity for 3,000 people.
They are due to be fully integrated into the Etihad Stadium and centred around an expanded North Stand with one larger, single upper tier above the existing lower tier.
City submitted a full planning application in April and the proposals have now been approved by Manchester City Council.
It is anticipated that the main construction work will begin on site in November with the aim of having the newly expanded North Stand ready to open during the 2025/26 season.
The hotel and revamped City Square are due for completion by late 2026. It is understood the overall cost will exceed £300 million.
Danny Wilson, managing director of 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.”