Manchester City’s plans to expand the Etihad Stadium with a new fan zone and other year-round experiences have been given the final sign-off.
The football club’s planning application was approved earlier this year, but several other conditions have now been given the green light, via a report in the Manchester Evening News.
The proposals for the £300 million Etihad Stadium development include a North Stand expansion to increase the stadium’s capacity to just under 62,000.
The plans also include a sky bar with views of the pitch, a stadium roof walk experience, and the covered City Square fan zone.
The fan zone will be able to house 3,000 people. It will include various F&B outlets, a new club shop, a museum, and a 400-bed hotel.
After approval was officially granted by Manchester City Council’s planning committee in July, Danny Wilson, managing director of Manchester City‘s 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.”
City Square fan zone to open at Etihad
Before submitting the planning application, Manchester City discussed its proposals with fans and the local community.
The main building works are set to start next month, meaning the North Stand expansion will be finished and open during the 2025/26 football season. City Square is due to be completed by late 2026.
In more news for Manchester, plans for a new Therme water park have been approved, and Factory International’s new cultural destination has opened.
