Location:
Manchester, UK

Client:
Manchester City Council and Manchester 2002


Photo © Dennis Gilbert, VIEW

Capacity:
38 000 (Commonwealth Games)
50 000 (Manchester City FC)

Architecture:
Arup Associates

Engineering:
Arup Associates and Arup


Photo © Dennis Gilbert, VIEW

The City of Manchester Stadium hosted the 2002 Commonwealth Games and has now become the home for Manchester City Football Club in 2003.


Photo © Dennis Gilbert, VIEW

Having worked with Manchester City Council for six years developing schemes for Manchester’s Olympic Bid (1992) and the English National Stadium (1995), Arup Associates were appointed in 1998 to design the City of Manchester Stadium.
The stadium is built on a contaminated brownfield site, as part of a wider regeneration
programme providing sport and leisure facilities for the community.


Photo © Dennis Gilbert, VIEW

Although the stadium has been built for a remarkably low budget, stunning architecture has been created from those parts that are essential to the functioning of the facility. Special consideration has been given to spectator comfort and security, and the smooth operation of the building.


Photo © Dennis Gilbert, VIEW

Access ramps spiral around concrete towers, which house plant as well as supporting the masts and stabilising the building. The undulating 'saddle shape' roof covers every seat and is supported by an innovative pre.stressed cable net, which allowed phased construction of the roof for athletics then football.


Photo : Grant Smith © Arup Associates

A circular perimeter combines with an optimal 'TV shaped' seating plan to create elevations which sweep up from the north and south to contain the upper stands on the east and west sides. These high sides provide protection from prevailing winds and low sun angles whilst providing a concentration of seats in the areas most favoured by spectators whilst the low south stand allows sunlight onto the pitch.


Photo : Grant Smith © Arup Associates

Manchester City FC Stadium information from Arup Associates 22/231008



Other examples of Manchester Architecture welcome: info@e-architect.co.uk

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Comments / images for the Manchester City FC Stadium page welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk

City of Manchester Stadium - page: adrian welch / isabelle lomholt