Images | Manchester City unveils stadium expansion plans

Manchester City FC is calling for fans and the local community to share their feedback following the announcement of its Etihad stadium expansion plans.

The project includes the construction of all-weather facilities integrated into the stadium and an expansion of the North Stand that will increase its capacity to accommodate over 60,000 fans.

In addition, a covered ‘City Square fan zone’ with a capacity of 3,000 will house a new club shop, workspace for start-ups and SMEs, a museum and a hotel.

It is expected that a construction contract will be awarded in September 2023 for a November 2023 start of on-site works. The club anticipates full completion within three years.

A construction management plan to be agreed with Manchester City Council will seek to mitigate the disruption arising from the construction works.  

During the feasibility studies carried out between December 2022 and January 2023, the club received 434 formal responses on the initial expansion concept. 79% of comments were positive or supportive of the plans, according to Manchester City.

Mancunians and football fans can share their views on the plans and the impact it will have on them through a formal consultation opened by Manchester City until 26 March.

The club stated in the expansion proposal that it wants to make zero-carbon targets a key priority within the project.

The club published last year a sustainability report where it commits to becoming net zero carbon by 2030, while supporting Manchester City Council’s target of becoming a net zero carbon city by 2038, 12 years ahead of the UK Government’s 2050 goal.

Planning applications will need to submit a sustainability statement to demonstrate how they meet the club’s sustainability framework, including mitigation of CO2 emissions.

The club is also keen that the new plans will have a positive impact on the local economy through an investment of over £300m in East Manchester. Additionally, it estimates that the works will create 2,600 jobs, with priority given to local applicants.