Etihad expansion set for go-ahead with capacity to increase to 62,000 seats... giving City second-biggest club ground in country



Manchester City's plans to extend the Etihad Stadium's capacity by more than 14,000 seats are set to get the green light.

City had plotted to add 6,250 seats at either end of the stadium and a further 2,000 around the ground, elevating the capacity from 47,620 to 62,170, according to the Manchester Evening news.

The plans were already submitted to the city's council planning commission and a report released on Thursday recommended that they are approved. If the building work goes ahead, Manchester will have the two biggest club stadiums in the country.



Dramatic: An artist impression of the Etihad Stadium expansion plans, which have been given the green light

The report states that 160 temporary jobs will be created as well as more than 110 extra match-day staff being required in the larger Etihad, some of which will be available to the local residents.



It reads: 'The continued social, economic and physical growth and regeneration of East Manchester, and the Etihad Campus, is a key objective of the Manchester Core Strategy.

'The expansion of the stadium will provide enhanced facilities which will help to create a stadium of national and international profile and improve the visitor experience.



'The proposal will create job opportunities, some of which will be available for local residents and business, during the construction and operation of the expanded stadium. In addition, there is an opportunity to provide improved access to the facilities at the stadium for local residents as part of improvements to wellbeing and health.'

BIGGEST PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB STADIUMS CURRENTLY

1 Old Trafford (Man United), 75,731 2 Emirates Stadium (Arsenal), 60,362 3 St James' Park (Newcastle), 52,403 4 Stadium of Light (Sunderland), 48,707 5 Etihad Stadium (Man City), 47,620 6 Anfield (Liverpool), 45,276 BIGGEST PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB STADIUMS IN THE FUTURE

1 Old Trafford (Man United), 75,731 2 Etihad Stadium (Man City), 62,170 3 Emirates Stadium (Arsenal), 60,362 4 St James' Park (Newcastle), 52,403 5 Stadium of Light (Sunderland), 48,707 6 Anfield (Liverpool), 45,276

Ambitious: Both ends would be lifted to accommodate more than 14,000 more fans at the Etihad Stadium

Cost: The proposed seating and new pricing plan for the redeveloped Manchester City stadium

Although the stadium development plans have garnered a great deal of support in the surrounding area and among fans, concerns have been raised by the nearby Friends of Philips Park Cemetery about traffic and anti-social behaviour from match-day revellers.

The report adds: 'The Friends Group find the expansion of the stadium of great concern to residents and the surrounding area. There are issues from the existing use of the stadium in respect of rubbish, congestion of fans and traffic.

'Rubbish is left behind following events and match days which will only worsen with the expanded stadium.



'The rubbish often blows into the cemetery and the friends group often have to spend time cleaning the area. In addition, football fans cut through the cemetery and urinate on the headstones which is disrespectful.'