MANCHESTER CITY could play an integral role in revolutionising the area around their Eastlands home.
City, who face Sunderland tomorrow, have signed an agreement with Manchester City Council and New East Manchester to investigate the best way of developing land around the stadium for the wider benefit of the club, and the entire area.
Although plans are only at the discussion stage, it is envisaged they would include a plush new training ground, based on AC Milan’s magnificent Milanello complex in Italy, which would not just incorporate training facilities, but the latest sports science technology.
An Eastlands stadium expansion beyond its present 48,000 capacity is also considered a possibility and a feasibility study is planned to determine its viability.
The first phase of the development will involve a "market place-style fan zone", on Joe Mercer Way, the current approach to the stadium.
"Manchester City has been and always will be at the heart of the community it serves the City of Manchester," said City chief executive Garry Cook.
"The longer term considerations for the area reflect the long-term commitment of our owners to the club and the community it serves."
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, March 13, 2010
