Manchester City FC’s £300m stadium extension and hotel tops next planning agenda

There are seven projects and a tree preservation order on the agenda at Manchester City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee next Thursday (27 July 2023).

The largest and most extensive development up before Councillors on the committee is European Champions Manchester City Football Club’s £300m stadium extension plan and a new hotel at the North Stand, which was first submitted to the council by advisers Deloitte in April 2023.

Officers said they are minded to approve the plans, subject to commitments on transport and local amenities that may be impacted by the 62,500 capacity at the extended Etihad Stadium.

However, there appear to be no guarantees that concerts at the new 25,000 seter Co-op Live Arena won’t clash with City matches next door – described as the “worst case scenario of traffic and highway impacts”.

Danny Wilson, Managing Director – Manchester City Operations, said: “Over several months we have been developing concepts and designs for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium.

“As with all Club developments, ensuring our local community benefit is a key priority and we believe these proposals will deliver long-term economic and social opportunities, building on the regeneration work delivered in East Manchester by City Football Group since 2008.”

Construction activities would start on site, subject to planning permission, in October 2023 with the North Stand becoming operational in August 2025. The other commercial buildings would be completed in November 2025.

Like all the other plans, officers have attached a minded to approve note, including one city centre office tower from Alliance Property Group which was subject to demand for further visit at the last meeting.

Bruntwood Sci Tech, advised by Deloitte, have submitted plans for a seven storey building on Manchester Science Park. 

There are three applications for purpose built student accommodation, one from IQ on the North Campus of the University of Manchester on the site of the old Chandos Hall near Piccadilly station which seems uncontentious.

However, plans in Hulme by Curlew Alternatives and in Moss Side by Downing’s CitySide will be met by sceptical opposition from local people concerned about car parking and noise. 

A vocal Block the Block campaign in Hulme was initially successful, and received the support of local councillors and Lucy Powell MP. 

However officers now believe the concerns of the committee have been addressed. “As such it is not recommended that a reason for refusal could be substantiated and there is no policy support in this regard. It is acknowledged concerns have been raised about the scale of the proposal and the dominant visual impact this would have on the area. In recommending the proposal in its revised form in October 2022, it was considere an appropriate scale and form.” 

Housing Association Great Places Housing want to build 8 1-bed flats and 14 3-bed houses in Higher Blackley.

Officers want to maintain a tree preservation order on a plot of land in Fallowfield.