Cork-founded construction firm lands contract for expansion of Premier League stadium

CORK-founded construction firm Sisk has been established as the main ‘player’ in the development of a €350m expansion to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

The major development will include several connected all-weather facilities, fully integrated into the stadium, centred around an expanded North Stand with one larger, single upper tier above the existing lower tier, increasing capacity to over 60,000.

Above the upper tier there will be a sky bar with views overlooking the pitch as well as a stadium roof walk experience.

A covered city square fan zone, with capacity for 3,000 people and a variety of food and drink outlets, a new club shop, museum, workspace and a 400-bed hotel will also be constructed as part of the club’s development.

“We are delighted to be working on such an iconic venue and look forward to creating a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Stadium,” Paul Brown, CEO of Sisk, said.

The works to the Etihad Stadium will add to Sisk’s existing portfolio in delivering large sporting and entertainment venues, alongside surrounding infrastructure.

Over the past two decades, the company has successfully completed works at Wembley Park for its long-term client, Quintain.

Additionally, the company has worked on redevelopments of the Aviva Stadium, Croke Park, and Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

“Our experience and expertise of delivering large complex engineering infrastructure in large public spaces will play a pivotal role in this project's success.

“Our previous stadia knowledge remains embedded within Sisk.

“Key Irish senior directors who spearheaded those projects in the earlier parts of their careers will now offer invaluable support to our team in Manchester,” Mr Brown said.

Main construction works commenced on-site in November 2023 which will mean the North Stand itself will be complete and open during the 2025/26 football season.

The hotel, workspace and public realm works, including city square, will subsequently complete by late 2026.

Throughout the construction phase of the project, Sisk expects the project to support over 890 full time equivalent roles.

Managing director of Manchester City operations, Danny Wilson, said the club is delighted to be working with Sisk.

“Sisk has significant experience and expertise in developing and delivering construction projects of this scale and we are delighted to be working with them.

“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 investment we have delivered in East Manchester since 2008.”