Man City lease reviewed amid Etihad Campus expansion

Manchester City has initiated a lease review in anticipation of increased earnings from its operations at the Etihad Campus, according to reports. The club, which currently pays between £3m and £4m annually in base rate fees to Manchester City Council, is set to benefit from an uptick in these payments as a result of the review.

The Etihad Campus expansion includes a new £300 million entertainment zone called Medlock Square, featuring a Radisson Blu Hotel and a zip-line, with plans for a new 600-person capacity venue. The council has granted planning permission for this expansion, signalling the club's significant growth over the past two decades. The relationship between the council and Manchester City FC has evolved from a more informal one to a professional, business-like arrangement.

The council's decision to review the lease was made effective from September 3, 2021, and is intended to support the shared objectives of the Eastlands regeneration framework, aiming to develop Sport City into a world-class sport and entertainment district. Failure to agree to the lease variation could lead to reputational damage for the council in its role as custodian of the stadium.