Jobs pledge as Man City reveal training facility plans
MANCHESTER City FC has started to take the wraps off its plans for a new ‘world leading’ training and youth development facility in East Manchester.
Public consultation on the 80-acre scheme – which will be linked by a bridge to the Etihad Stadium – begin this week.
The brownfield-site is diagonally opposite the stadium and will be accessed via Ashton New Road and Alan Turing Way.
The project – which includes 16 football pitches and a 7,000-capacity stadium for youth games – would create 90 full time jobs and 160 positions during construction.
The 7,000 stadium will be surrounded by commerical developments, a media facility and club offices. It will be part of the new Etihad Campus surrounding the stadium.
The football club pledged that local people would be guaranteed a share in the economic benefits the development will bring with 70% of construction jobs and 80% of the full-time jobs guaranteed for people living nearby.
It also pledged to source the majority of materials, equipment and services for the construction and operation of the site from local companies.
Planning permission to improve the land in Openshaw West, was granted in June and remediation work on the site will begin in the coming weeks. The consultation will end in September.
If approval is granted the development could take up to six years to build.
Garry Cook, chief executive of Manchester City Football Club said, “Manchester City’s ambition is to be a successful and sustainable football club and youth recruitment and development through a top class facility is a key component of that ambition.
“Our research to date has been painstaking and our planning comprehensive and whilst our plans would inevitably have a positive impact on both our young and established playing talent, the regenerative and economic impact for our community should not be underestimated.
“We welcome the views of all of the communities we serve as we seek to submit planning permission for this most exciting of proposals.”
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The partnership between Manchester City Football Club, the Council and New East Manchester would accelerate the regeneration of the area, delivering significant community and economic benefits.
“This new facility would help us continue to improve education and skills and will create jobs and other opportunities for local residents as well as being a further example of the club’s investment in the area.
“It would be complementary to other proposed developments in the area, which would combine together to fulfil our vision for East Manchester as a centre for elite sport.”
