Manchester City’s plans to expand the Etihad Stadium and create a new entertainment destination on site have officially been approved.
After the club submitted ambitious proposals to both increase its home ground’s capacity, and create a “best-in-class” fan experience by adding an all year-round entertainment and leisure destination on the current site, the new vision for the Etihad Stadium has officially been approved by Manchester City Council.
Approval follows the club’s fan and community consultation, which took place back in February and March this year, all before the full planning application was subsequently submitted in April.
Proposals were given approval by the Council’s planning committee yesterday (27 July).
We are delighted to confirm our planning application to develop an entertainment destination at the Etihad Stadium has been approved today.
But what exactly is in store for the Etihad Campus then? Well, according to Manchester City, the approved plans include several connected all-weather facilities that are fully integrated into the stadium – which will all be centred around an expanded North Stand, with one larger single upper tier above the existing lower tier that increases overall capacity to over 60,000.
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Above the upper tier, there will be a so-called ‘sky bar’ with views overlooking the pitch, as well as a stadium roof ‘walk experience’.
A covered ‘City Square’ fan zone with capacity for 3,000 people also form part of that plans.
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And then to round it all out, fans can also expect to make the most of a wide variety of new food and drink outlets, a new club shop, museum, workspace, and even a 400-bed hotel, which are all set to be constructed as part of the club’s development.
Plans approved for new ‘best-in-class’ entertainment destination at the Etihad Stadium / Credit: Manchester City
Manchester City’s Operations Director, Danny Wilson, says the club is “delighted” by the approval of the plans, adding that the development will “not only enable the club to enhance and expand its offering to fans and visitors on both matchday and non-matchday”, but will also “create lasting long-term economic and social benefits for our local community”.
He added that the approval of the plans continues to “build on” the regeneration work that the City Football Group has delivered in East Manchester since 2008.
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According to the club, the main construction works are anticipated to begin on-site in November 2023.
This means the North Stand itself will be complete and open during the 2025/26 football season, but the hotel, workspace, and the rest of the ‘public realm’ works – including City Square – are more likely to be completed by late 2026.
Featured Image – Manchester City
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Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
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Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Emily Sergeant -
28th July 2023 
