The centre in the Openshaw West area of East Manchester will occupy 80 acres of brown field land diagonally opposite the Etihad Stadium.

For a fly-through video of what the complex will look like click here

The centre fits in with the club’s long-term strategy of recruiting and developing young players.

Plans include:

• A home for up to 400 young players who will train and study alongside senior players, with a clear development pathway to the first team
• One half size and 11 full size youth development pitches
• One half size and 4 full size first team pitches
• On site sleeping accommodation and classroom facility for 40 young players to allow them to train and study in a safe and secure environment
• A carefully planned first team building with changing rooms, gym, refectory and injury and rehab centre
• A 7,000 capacity stadium for youth matches
• Staff offices and a dedicated media centre
• A bridge linking the site to the Etihad Stadium and the rest of the Etihad Campus

Around 160 construction jobs would be created during the project, 70% of them for local people. The Club is also committed to local sourcing of materials, equipment and services for the operation and construction of the proposed site.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Etihad Stadium and Campus are at the heart of the regeneration of the wider East Manchester area and these plans will help accelerate that positive transformation.

“We welcome the principle of this proposed development which reflects not only the needs and priorities of the football club, but recognises and reflects the community’s priorities too. It’s another welcome demonstration of the club’s commitment to the area and a boost for East Manchester and the city as a whole.

“This would not just be about creating another world-class sporting facility in the area, it will also create jobs and other opportunities for local residents. It’s one of the earliest manifestations of how the partnership between Manchester City Football Club, the Council and New East Manchester will deliver significant community and economic benefits in the years ahead.”