Source: Team_Talk
City reveal expansion plans
Manchester City have unveiled extensive plans to develop a world-class first-team and youth training facility adjacent to the Etihad Stadium.[LNB] The ambitious Premier League club want to develop up to 80 acres of brownfield land as part of their recently-announced Etihad Campus project.[LNB]City have spent three years planning a scheme which could take a further three to six years to come to full fruition.[LNB]When complete the facility will include an academy for 400 players, 16 football pitches, state-of-the-art first-team training and injury rehabilitation facilities, a 7,000-capacity stadium and staff offices.[LNB]It will bring all arms of the club together with a bridge linking the site to the Etihad Stadium and the rest of the Etihad Campus.[LNB]The first team and some staff are currently based nine miles away from Eastlands at Carrington.[LNB]Former City midfielder Patrick Vieira, who last week retired to begin a new role as football development executive at the club, said: "The club have been working for three years to develop the best facilities for youth and first team and they have come up with something unbelievable.[LNB]"It will benefit the club and the city and I think everyone will be very proud that the city has a development like this."[LNB]City have earmarked 5.5 acres of the site for further community use, which could include an education facility and a sports institute.[LNB]A period of public consultation, featuring an exhibition at the Etihad Stadium, will begin this week.[LNB]City chief executive Garry Cook said: "Manchester City's ambition is to be a successful and sustainable football club and youth recruitment and development through a top-class facility is a key component of that ambition.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"We welcome the views of all the communities we serve as we seek to submit planning permission for this most exciting of proposals."
