Massive expansion of Etihad Stadium - as well as hotel and fan zone - given final sign-off

Mammoth plans to expand Manchester City's Etihad Stadium - and build a huge new fan zone - have been given the final sign-off. The north stand extension will take capacity at the ground to just under 62,000.

The plans were approved in July, but a number of conditions had to be approved before the final okay was given by town hall bosses. A 400-bed hotel, a TV studio, a roof walk 'attraction' and a new fan zone for up to 3,000 people are included in the blueprints.

The fan zone will include food and drink outlets, a new club shop and a museum.

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The project is estimated to inject £70m of added value into the Greater Manchester economy each year, and lead to 1,795 extra full-time jobs. That number will reach 3,000 bosses say when part time workers and casual shifts are taken into account.

The north stand's capacity will be increased by 7,900 seats, taking the total capacity to 61,968. The current club shop will be knocked down and a new eight-storey shop built in its place.

The nine-storey hotel will have 391 bedrooms and 10 suites. Building work is due to start in November, with work due to be finished by August 2025.

After approval was initially granted by the planning committee in July, Danny Wilson, City’s managing director of 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.

“This development will not only enable the club to enhance and expand its offering to