Man City submits plan for 80-acre academy site
MANCHESTER City Football Club has submitted its planning application for its new academy, which will include a 7,000-seater stadium for youth matches.
The club is proposing to build new youth and first team facilities on up to 80 acres of brownfield land diagonally opposite the stadium in the Openshaw West area.
It said that it had studied more than 30 elite sports development centres around the world over the past two years in preparation for this development, which will provide a home for around 400 players.
Facilities include a 7,000-capacity stadium that will be used for youtrh matches; a bridge linking the site to the stadium; one half-size and 11 full-size youth development pitches; one half-size and 4 full-size first team pitche; on-site sleeping accommodation for 40 young players and a first-team building with changing rooms, gym, refectory and an injury/rehab clinic. Staff offices and a media centre will also be developed on the site.
Total investment in the new facility, which could take up to six years to build, is likely to be well over £100m.
The club said that around 160 construction jobs would be created during the project, 70% of which will be for local people. Once complete, the site will employ up to 90 people.
The planning application has been drawn up following a six-week consultation period with local residents which had involved more than 7,000 people.
The club said that opinions expressed by residents helped to shape its application, which should be heard by Manchester City Council by the end of the year.
Brian Marwood, chief football operations officer of Manchester City said: “We are delighted that so many people have taken part in our public consultation, visiting the exhibition and responding so positively to our proposals.
“The feedback we have received points to a wide recognition by both local residents and fans of the significant regenerative and economic benefits of these proposals for the East Manchester area, which should not be underestimated.
“It is important to also make clear that the development and recruitment of youth talent is at the heart of our long-term strategy of building a successful and sustainable football club for the future.”
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Etihad Stadium and Campus are at the heart of the regeneration of the wider East Manchester area and these plans will help accelerate that positive transformation.
“We welcome the principle of this proposed development which reflects not only the needs and priorities of the football club, but recognises and reflects the community’s priorities too. It’s another welcome demonstration of the club’s commitment to the area and a boost for East Manchester and the city as a whole.
“This would not just be about creating another world-class sporting facility in the area, it will also create jobs and other opportunities for local residents. It’s one of the earliest manifestations of how the partnership between Manchester City Football Club, the Council and New East Manchester will deliver significant community and economic benefits in the years ahead.”
