‘Pivotal’ East Manchester regeneration deal agreed

A MAJOR development deal to transform 200 acres of land near the City of Manchester Stadium into an international sport and leisure facility was revealed today.

The deal between Manchester City Football Club, Manchester City Council and urban regeneration company New East Manchester will unlock hundreds of millions of pounds worth of investment into the area, creating thousands of jobs.

The three parties have been working together since the takeover of the football club by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour in September 2008. The purchase transformed City overnight into the world’s richest football club.

The plans are likely to see the 48,000-capacity stadium extended to 60,000, and a world-class training facility built nearby.

Leisure facilities including shops and a hotel are all understood to be part of feasibility studies undertaken by the club. 

Short-term efforts will be focused on improving the area around the stadium for fans and local people. One option being looked at is the creation of City Street, which is a market-style fan zone on Joe Mercer Way on the approach to the stadium.

A Joint Development Board  has been formed between the three parties.

A statement said:”All of the parties share the desire for any commercial development to deliver long lasting economic and community growth to the east Manchester area.

“The agreement provides the context for work which is now underway on the short term, and potential long term possibilities for the area.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council said: “The collective strength of the council and the club, two very ambitious partners, will be the engine of economic growth and will build on the regeneration work already in evidence in the area.

“The City of Manchester Stadium has also been a credit to the city and this further investment will enable local people who can work to work, will give our young people the best possible start in life and will make east Manchester a place in which to work, invest, live and visit.”

Simon Bate, chairman of New East Manchester, added: “This agreement is truly pivotal for this area. It will gives us the chance to restore economic dynamism to east Manchester, enabling businesses, local residents and football supporters alike to benefit from future investment.  

“The City of Manchester Stadium and Sportcity facilities have been central to raising the profile of east Manchester and have inspired confidence and new investment here. 

“The creation of a destination leisure opportunity in east Manchester has been a core element of our vision for the area and our ability to give real consideration to this now is truly exciting.” 
 
Garry Cook, chief executive of  Manchester City, said: “Manchester City has been and always will be at the heart of the community it serves in the City of Manchester. 

“The longer term considerations for the area reflect the long term commitment of our owners to the club and the community it serves.”