Man City submit application to increase Etihad's capacity to more than 60,000

Man City have submitted a planning application at the Etihad which will increase the stadium's capacity to more than 60,000.

The Etihad - which was previously known as the City of Manchester Stadium and built to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games - currently has a capacity of 53,400 for domestic football matches.

City's plans - which have been submitted to Manchester City Council - are to expand the North Stand with one larger, single upper tier above the existing lower tier.

The application submitted by the club also includes the stadium becoming a new entertainment destination, with a covered fan zone with capacity for 3,000 people, which will include a variety of food and drink outlets, a new club shop, museum and a 400-bed hotel.

The club undertook a consultation period on the proposals between February 28 to March 26, with further all-weather entertainment facilities included, including a sky bar above the North Stand and a stadium roof walk experience - akin to the one at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Commenting on the submission of a planning application, Danny WIlson, managing director of Manchester City operations said: 'Over several months we have been developing concepts and designs for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium and are delighted to have now submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council.

'I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our fans and the local community for their participation in our recent consultation, not only for completing the questionnaire but sharing their detailed comments and feedback with us, all of which has been carefully reviewed and considered.'

He continued: 'As with all club developments, ensuring our local community benefit is a key priority and we believe these proposals will deliver long-term economic and social opportunities, building on the regeneration work delivered in East Manchester by City Football Group since 2008.'

The club say their plans will lead to more than £300m of investment into East Manchester and create 2,600 jobs.

It is expected the project would take up to three years to complete.

Pep Guardiola's side are currently competing on three fronts, with the club chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

Meanwhile, they face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday with a 3-0 lead from last week's first leg and face Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.