Man City plan massive Etihad Stadium expansion with new fan zone

A new club shop, museum and a 400-bed hotel have also been proposed

The club has put plans for a £300 million expansion to Manchester council's planning committee, who have been recommended to approve the proposals.

City unveiled the plans in April, but now it looks like they're likely to be given the go-ahead.

The expansion would see the stadium's capacity expanded to almost 62,000 seats, while new fan zones with the capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 people could also be rolled out.

The current club shop would be knocked down and an eight-storey building with a new store, ticket office and museum would be created offering an 'interactive visitor experience venue' on level 3.

A nine-storey hotel with 391 bedrooms and 10 suites would also be built, while new workspaces for small businesses and start-ups are expected to be delivered.

Between the hotel and club shop building, City Square would be 'refreshed' to create a new covered fan zone and event space with a 3,000 person capacity.

According to the report, the club has also agreed to sign a deal which would allow parts of the campus to be used by the community including local clubs and schools. A local labour deal also features in the Section 106 agreement.

The club would also pay for measures to improve 'movement' around the various venues, particularly for pedestrians. A waste management agreement also aims to address litter and rubbish created on football matches and events.

A 95-page report to the committee concludes that the proposal should be approved. It says: "The [Etihad] campus’s international profile for sporting events, would be enhanced by these facilities and further drive forward the regeneration of East Manchester bringing jobs and economic growth to the area."

Three letters of support have been received in relation to the application alongside five objections. The objections raise concerns about the design, specifically of the hotel, and the impact of the plans on the local community.

The planning committee will decide the outcome on Thursday (July 27).

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