Post by Bluemoon on Oct 16, 2013 19:52:27 GMT 1
Manchester City Stadium Expansion Plans Revealed
These dramatic images, obtained by the M.E.N., show both ends of the Blues home lifted to accommodate an extra tier.
This is how the Etihad Stadium could look - if Blues bosses get the green light for an expected 13,500-expansion.
These dramatic images, obtained by the M.E.N., show both ends of the Blues home lifted to accommodate an extra tier.
The M.E.N. understands City bosses will apply for planning permission to Manchester council, who own the former City of Manchester Stadium, next month.
If all goes according to plan work could start as early as February - although Blues officials have stressed any plans will not affect current season card holders.
The proposals would see the stadium's capacity shift from 48,000 to around 61,500 making it the second-largest venue in domestic football.
City are offering their 36,000 season card holders the opportunity to buy up to four more season cards.
Members of the club's Blue scheme will also be invited to apply.
Officials will then gauge levels of interest before deciding to extend one or both ends of the stadium, which was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games although permission will be sought for both.
One source said: "It has to be commercially viable."
A glossy leaflet to be sent to fans reads: "Opportunities like this only happen once in a blue moon."
It added: "As the team grows, our fanbase grows and our home has to grow."
Season card holders will also be offered the chance to move from their existing seats
One complaint aired regularly since the Blues moved from Maine Road in 2003 is that many groups of fans who were together at their old home now have to sit apart from each other.
The waiting list will be opened to both season card holders and Blue members at 10am next Wednesday. (OCT 16)
Officials stressed that the images are conceptual at this stage and declined to comment on potential costs.
A City spokesperson added: “Over the last three months, the Club has undertaken an extensive first phase public consultation seeking the views of fans, local residents and other stakeholders.
Visitors have been able to drop-in to a permanent exhibition space at the Etihad Stadium, enabling people to ask questions, fill out questionnaires and make recommendations. The exhibition is being updated and will re-open on 17 October to provide further information on the planning application.”
Prices in the proposed new areas will start from £299.
To apply from 10am on October 16 call 0161 444 1894 or visit: www.mcfc.co.uk/waitinglist
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