Major plans unveiled to transform walking route between Etihad campus and city centre neighbourhood

Plans to transform the walking route between the Etihad Stadium and Manchester City Centre neighbourhoods have today been unveiled.

Co-op Live and Manchester City Football Club have submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council for the regeneration of the walking route with interactive elements, food and drink stalls and added security. Plans will see a 'significant' upgrade to the existing 'CityLink' between Holt Town tram stop and the Etihad Campus.

The route was originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, but with the imminent arrival of Co-op Live - the largest live entertainment arena in the UK - plans have been submitted to to provide music and football fans with alternative travel options to and from the Etihad campus.

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The proposals to create a 'vibrant' pre-event experience for those making use of the walkway include interactive lighting installations, busking spots for performances by local musical talent, and pop-up food and drink stalls.

The improvements to the walking route will be delivered in conjunction with Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, and Co-op Live naming rights partner, Co-op. Stewards from Co-op Live and the football club will also staff the route both before and after their respective events, and the route will also be covered by enhanced CCTV.

As part of Co-op Live’s and Manchester City Football Club’s existing commitments to the wider regeneration of the local neighbourhood, an extensive clean-up of the walkway has already been undertaken with initial trimming of overgrown trees and shrubs completed, alongside improvements to directional signage.

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