Manchester City plan major changes to Etihad Stadium statue

Manchester City have been granted approval to make changes to a major statue outside the Etihad Stadium.

The statue of legendary Manchester City trio Colin Bell, Francis Lee, and Mike Summerbee was unveiled outside the Etihad Stadium in November 2023, designed by renowned sculptor David Williams-Ellis.

The lasting legacy to the three players was the fourth statute to recently be unveiled outside the Etihad Stadium, following permanent honours to David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.

Bell, Lee and Summerbee made over 1,000 combined appearances for Manchester City, scoring 368 goals and winning the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup between 1967 and 1970.

Heartbreakingly both Lee and Bell passed away before the unveiling of their statue. Bell died in 2021 aged 74, and Lee in October 2023, aged 79.

The statue honouring the three former players has been open to fans since a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig, and sits outside the Etihad Stadium’s main entrance.

The Manchester Evening News report that the club are preparing to make changes to the statue however, having sought planning permission from Manchester City Council to install ‘visitor seating’ around the statue, as well as ‘walled planters, pressed concrete floor, and ivy green screen’.

A statement by the council’s planning department, said: “The statue and plinth are completed in bronze and polished concrete respectively.

“These are considered to be high quality materials that uplift the neighbouring walkway which is primarily composed of hard paving. The statue will also be seen in the context of the Etihad Stadium and thus would not appear as an incongruous addition to the street scene.

“Landscaping measures are considered to be proportionate, with them helping to soften the appearance of the stadium concourse.

“On this basis, it is considered the proposed development is acceptable with regard to its design and visual impact.”