Man City to improve surroundings of Etihad statue celebrating Colin Bell, Francis Lee, and Mike Summerbee

A statue of Manchester City legends is set to stay outside the Etihad Stadium — and get some nicer surroundings.

Currently, the figures of Colin Bell, Francis Lee, and Mike Summerbee greet fans outside the stadium’s main entrance. The trio were unveiled last November, just months on from City celebrating their treble success.

However, they are surrounded by an access road and shrubbery. Now, new plans from the club show moves to install ‘visitor seating’ around the statue as well as ‘walled planters, pressed concrete floor, and ivy green screen’. Those plans have been approved by the council’s planning department, meaning the statue can stay, and work can start on improving its surroundings.

A report from the council said: “The statue and plinth are completed in bronze and polished concrete respectively. These are considered to be high quality materials that uplift the neighbouring walkway which is primarily composed of hard paving. The statue will also be seen in the context of the Etihad Stadium and thus would not appear as an incongruous addition to the street scene. 

“Landscaping measures are considered to be proportionate, with them helping to soften the appearance of the stadium concourse. On this basis, it is considered the proposed development is acceptable with regard to its design and visual impact.”

The plinth, situated in front of the Colin Bell stand, will soon be seen by more fans than ever at the Etihad, as the club also has permission to extend its north stand. That would take the stadium’s total capacity to just under 62,000. That’s alongside a new fanzone, shop, and hotel, plans reveal. The nine-storey hotel will have 391 bedrooms and 10 suites.

After approval was initially granted by the planning committee in July 2023, Danny Wilson, City’s managing director of city operations, said: “We are delighted that Manchester City Council’s planning committee has approved the Club’s proposals for a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium.

“This development will not only enable the club to enhance and expand its offering to fans and visitors on both matchday and non-matchday, but it will also create lasting long-term economic and social benefits for our local community, building on the regeneration work City Football Group has delivered in East Manchester since 2008.”