Co-op Live and Man City unveil plans to improve walking route between city centre suburbs as plans submitted

Manchester City FC and Co-op Live have unveiled joint plans to improve walking routes in their part of Manchester. The plans are hoped to regenerate a route between city centre neighbourhoods and the Etihad Stadium. 

From April onwards, the area around the Etihad Stadium will welcome Co-op Live. The plans, which have been submitted to Manchester City Council, are part of the new venue and the football club aims to provide alternative methods of attending gigs and matches. 

The plans aim to redevelop an existing walking route which was created for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. This is between Holt Town Metrolink stop and the Etihad Campus.

The walking route has been designed to create a vibrant pre-event experience. Proposed features include interactive lighting installations, busking spots for performances by local musical talent, and pop-up food and drink stalls.

On event days, stewards will staff the walking route and will be on hand to provide assistance. Enhanced CCTV will also be introduced for the safety of those using it. 

  If the plans are accepted, visuals and markers will be installed along the route. The first of these will be commissioned by Co-op Live and will see work installed from local artists. Further down the line, football themed visuals will also be fitted to the route. 

Danny Wilson, Managing Director – Manchester City Operations, said: "Ensuring that our fans and visitors have more options for sustainable travel to and from the Etihad Campus is incredibly important as we continue to introduce new entertainment experiences to our site, and welcome more people to a growing year-round destination. 

"At the same time, in line with our ongoing and long-term commitments to the development and regeneration of our local area, we know that the upgraded ‘CityLink’ will benefit members of our local community who will now have a cleaner, brighter and safer walking route to use day in and day out."

Gary Roden, Executive Director and General Manager, Co-op Live, said: "We are transforming the fan experience of live entertainment one step at a time.

"By investing in the regeneration of the walking route, we are providing a safe, and eco-friendly alternative to car travel and giving the local community a revitalised outdoor space that they can use all year round. This is everything we are about, and I am delighted this part of our vision is now becoming a reality.”