New images have been released to show how Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium will look once the 6,000-seat stadium expansion is completed.

City gained planning permission in February to extend the stadium capacity, with engineering firm Laing O’Rourke overseeing the construction.

An integrated Laing O’Rourke Group team will carry out the expansion, with work starting at the beginning of April. Interesting aspects of the new pictures include versatile signage on the stadium facades and some interior shots.

The extension works, designed by architects Populous, are expected to cost £50m and will be undertaken in two phases. The work will result in the venue having a capacity of 60,000 (up from the current 48,000) - making it the second largest in the English Premier League behind Old Trafford (capacity 75,811), home to local rivals Manchester United.

The first phase of construction, which will be completed in time for the 2015-16 season, will see the South Stand expanded by around 6,000 seats. The second phase, development of the North Stand, will then complete the transformation.

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