Post by adsum on Oct 24, 2011 8:30:26 GMT
Taken from todays Manchester Evening News.
FRESH START: City want to develop the land around their Etihad Stadium
City's plans for a world-beating training complex are being blocked by two small businesses which are refusing to sell up.
The Blues revealed in July they want to spend £100m transforming a run-down 80-acre plot in the shadow of the Etihad Stadium. The plans include a 7,000-capacity arena, community facilities and a sixth-form college. Backers say the project would create 250 jobs and kick-start development in one of Britain’s poorest neighbourhoods.
But a handful of businesses on the site have stalled progress by refusing to leave, we can reveal today. The companies holding firm say they feel they are being forced out and that re-location would be damaging. Four companies are yet to agree compensation packages with the club.
City are confident of striking a deal with two – Tyresave and cab firm MANTAX
But the owners of New Life Windows have not entered into any discussions with the club, while talks with OB Trucks — a vehicle-recovery firm – ground to a halt over the level of their demands, according to Town Hall papers.
If no deals are reached, Manchester council would look to step in and secure a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to force the firms to sell up at market prices. A report to the council’s executive, which states the case for a CPO, reveals that without the final plots, plans for the academy and training complex will not go ahead.
FRESH START: City want to develop the land around their Etihad Stadium
City's plans for a world-beating training complex are being blocked by two small businesses which are refusing to sell up.
The Blues revealed in July they want to spend £100m transforming a run-down 80-acre plot in the shadow of the Etihad Stadium. The plans include a 7,000-capacity arena, community facilities and a sixth-form college. Backers say the project would create 250 jobs and kick-start development in one of Britain’s poorest neighbourhoods.
But a handful of businesses on the site have stalled progress by refusing to leave, we can reveal today. The companies holding firm say they feel they are being forced out and that re-location would be damaging. Four companies are yet to agree compensation packages with the club.
City are confident of striking a deal with two – Tyresave and cab firm MANTAX
But the owners of New Life Windows have not entered into any discussions with the club, while talks with OB Trucks — a vehicle-recovery firm – ground to a halt over the level of their demands, according to Town Hall papers.
If no deals are reached, Manchester council would look to step in and secure a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to force the firms to sell up at market prices. A report to the council’s executive, which states the case for a CPO, reveals that without the final plots, plans for the academy and training complex will not go ahead.