Man City given green light for huge Etihad Stadium expansion that will make arena fifth biggest in Premier League

MANCHESTER CITY have been granted permission to expand the Etihad Stadium.

Plans were initially approved in July, but a series of conditions had to be agreed before the local council gave the final green light.

MANCHESTER CITYThe Etihad Stadium is set to be expanded[/caption]

MANCHESTER CITYA new fan zone is in the plans[/caption]

A 400-bed hotel, a TV studio and a roof walk attraction are among the new features included in the blueprints.

And a new fan zone – which will hold up to 3,000 people – is also set to be built.

It will include a new club shop, food and drink outlets and a museum.

As well as the brand-new additions to the stadium, the north stand is set to be expanded.

That means the overall capacity will increase to just under 62,000.

According to Manchester Evening News, the project is expected to create 1,795 extra full-time jobs and inject an estimated extra £70million into the Greater Manchester economy each year.

Building work is expected to start next month and it is due to be finished by August 2025.

Speaking in July, City’s managing director of city operations Danny Wilson 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.

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“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.”

Man City moved to the stadium ahead of the 2003-04 season, when it was known as the City of Manchester Stadium.

It was renamed to the Etihad Stadium in 2011.