Laing O'Rourke has been appointed to deliver the Etihad Stadium expansion.

The firm is to will expand the stadium it originally constructed for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Appointed by Manchester City Football Club, the project will enable one of the most successful Premier League football clubs to increase its stadium capacity from 48 000 to 54 000 and expand the range of facilities for fans, corporate hospitality and visitors. A second and later phase of construction, the development of the North Stand, will eventually take the stadium to a capacity of 60 000.

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An integrated Laing O'Rourke Group team will deliver the expansion, beginning ground engineering works with immediate effect. The complex engineering works must be seamlessly delivered around events including the stadium's first Rugby World Cup match in 2015.

Tom Glick, Chief Commercial Officer for Manchester City FC said: "The expansion of the stadium is a hugely significant moment for City. We are delighted to announce Laing O'Rourke as a partner as we embark on this historic project.

"The waiting list for the expanded Etihad is already close to capacity and we look forward to seeing a sell-out 54,000 seat stadium as we open the 2015 season.

"Manchester City strives to provide its supporters and visiting fans with one of the best possible matchday experiences in the Premier League and European football. The success of this is demonstrated by games being sold out and ever rising demand from supporters for the waiting list, season tickets, matchday tickets and premium seating. Expanding the Etihad allows us to grow that offering as we constantly work towards excellence for every supporter that visits us in Manchester."

(CD)