Manchester City granted permission to expand and redevelop Etihad Stadium

It is expected to complete during the 2025-26 season

Premier League side Manchester City have been granted permission to expand and redevelop the Etihad stadium by the Manchester council.

The £300m redevelopment plan includes creating a “best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium”, according to Manchester City’s website.

Redevelopment includes expanding the Northern stand by adding a larger, single tier of seating above the existing lower tier, increasing the stadium's capacity from 55,000 to 60,000. The top tier is expected to have a bar with views of the stadium and a stadium roof walking experience.

Other plans include creating an all-weather fan experience,  a city fan square, consisting of various food and drink outlets, new club shops, a club museum, a new workspace, and a new 400 bed hotel.

Manchester City used shifted to the Etihad in 2003, before which they used to play their home games at Maine Road. During City’s 80 year stay at Maine Road, it was redeveloped several times, reducing it capacity to 32,000 by the summer of 2002-2003 season. As the season ended, Manchester City moved to the City of Manchester Stadium on a 200-year lease, it was renamed the Etihad stadium in 2011.

Plans for the redevelopment were submitted to the City council in April, after they were decided by the club following their fan and community consultation which took place February and March

Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in November of 2023 with the North stand being expected to operate in full capacity in the 2025-2026 football season. The subsequent all weather fan experience, including the city fan square, and the 400 bed hotel is expected to be completed in later parts of 2026.

Commenting on the approval of the Club’s planning application, Danny Wilson, Managing Director – Manchester City Operations, said: “We are delighted that Manchester City Council’s planning committee has approved the Club’s proposals for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium.”