Project to build major indoor arena next to Manchester City stadium takes a step closer

City Football Group (CFG), the owner of English Premier League champions Manchester City, has moved closer to building a major indoor entertainment venue adjacent to its existing Etihad Stadium in east Manchester.

Working together with US-based venue development specialist Oak View Group, CFG has completed the first phase of public consultation for a 21,000-capacity venue.

To be located within the Etihad Campus, the project is set to create competition for the existing Manchester Arena – a venue which also has a capacity of around 21,000 and has established itself as the region's premium live entertainment venue.

In a statement, Oak View Group said: "We're still at the feasibility stage for the potential new arena at the Etihad Campus.

"Our ambition is for a large, enclosed venue which makes use of cutting-edge design and technology, as well as first-class customer service to provide a truly outstanding event experience for a multitude of events."

Phase two of the consultation – which is expected to set out more detailed plans – is due to commence later this year. Following the consultations, the partners could file a planning application as early as spring 2020.