City set for stadium expansion
COUNCILLORS in Manchester are expected to wave through Manchester City’s plans to add another 14,500 seats at the Etihad Stadium when they meet next Thursday.
The club wants to extend the north and south stands by 6,250 seats each and create an extra 2,000 seats around the pitch.
The changes will increase the number of seats at the ground by 30% from 47,670 to 62,170.
The club said the construction work will create 160 temporary jobs and the extended stadium would require an extra 220 match day staff.
Planning officers have recommended the proposal is approved when the city council’s planning committee meets on February 13.
A report prepared ahead of the meeting states: “The expansion of the stadium will provide enhanced facilities which will help to create a stadium of national and international profile and improve the visitor experience. The appearance of the south and north stands and create a more prominent landmark feature at the centre of the Etihad Campus and East Manchester.”
It added: “Whilst there will be some impact arising from the development it is considered that the aspects of the proposal have been designed to minimise the impact on nearby residential properties, for example, design of the roof to avoid overshadowing, consideration of the lighting to avoid sky glow and glare and management of deliveries and operating hours.”
