Man City submit plans to upscale Etihad Stadium to 60,000 capacity

London, April 18 (BNA): English Premier League champions Manchester City announced, on Tuesday, the submission of plans to increase the capacity of the Etihad Stadium from 53,500 to 60,000 spectators.

Reuters reports that the expanded North Stand will be part of a host of upgrades including in and around the stadium, including a 3,000-capacity covered fan area, a sky bar, a 400-bed hotel and a new museum.

“Over several months we have developed the concepts and designs for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round leisure and entertainment destination at Etihad Stadium and are delighted to have submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council,” Danny Wilson, Manchester City managing director of operations, said in a statement.

“As with all club developments, ensuring that our local community benefits is a key priority and we believe these proposals will provide long-term economic and social opportunities.”

City Stadium, which was originally built to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games, is currently the fifth-largest stadium by capacity in the English Premier League, home to Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and West Ham United.

City says the proposed projects represent an investment of more than 300 million pounds ($372.96 million) in east Manchester that could create 2,600 new jobs for local residents.

It will take three years to complete the works.

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