Manchester City consults on new training ground

Manchester City Football club has begun a public consultation on its plans for a new training facility designed by Rafael Viñoly.

The club already has permission to develop the 80 acre site opposite the club’s Etihad stadium in east Manchester.

It will use the views of local residents to shape its submission for planning approval when the consultation period ends in September.

The proposals include an academy for up to 400 young players; changing rooms, a gym and an injury rehab centre for the first team; 16 football pitches; a 7,000 capacity youth stadium; offices and a media centre; and a bridge linking the site to the Etihad stadium.

Up to 5.5 acres will be used for community facilities, possibly an education facility and sports institute. The club is also likely to make a financial contribution to community facilities, including a swimming pool.

The club said the development would create around 160 construction jobs, 70% of them for local people. It said it would purchase most of the materials, equipments and services for the building from local firms.

Garry Cook, chief executive of Manchester City Football Club, said: “Our research to date has been painstaking and our planning comprehensive and whilst our plans would inevitably have a positive impact on both our young and established playing talent, the regenerative and economic impact for our community should not be underestimated.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The partnership between Manchester City Football Club, the council and [regeneration company] New East Manchester would accelerate the regeneration of the area, delivering significant community and economic benefits. This new facility would help us continue to improve education and skills and will create jobs and other opportunities for local residents as well as being a further example of the club’s investment in the area.”