Manchester Sport - A £Billion Industry
Home to two of the UK’s most popular football clubs, the host of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and a key contributor to England’s Olympic dreams, Manchester is famous as a city of sport the world over.
British Cycling Success
The much anticipated BMX centre was launched in March 2011 and will serve as the new National Cycling Centre and headquarters of British Cycling in the run-up to the Olympic Games. The £19 million development, designed by Ellis Williams Architects, further builds on the success of Sportcity, adding an additional BMX arena with a 2,000 seat capacity.
Three-time BMX world Championship winner, Shanaze Reade, said: “I was here just over a year ago to mark the start of the building work and I can’t believe the arena is now nearly finished. I can’t wait to start training here. It will really help my preparations for London 2012. It’s going to be an amazing facility, not only for us athletes but also for local kids who we hope will be inspired to take up the sport and follow in our footsteps.”
Olympic Expectations
The Olympics are expected to be a major commercial success for the region. Phil Hawker, area director of Lloyds TSB, said “The 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games generated £6 billion for the region, and research we have commissioned estimates that the 2012 Olympics will bring a £4.4 billion boost to the northern economy. Although the Games last only a few weeks, the benefits to business will come before, during, and long after the closing ceremony”
Sports Investment Manchester
Manchester has a track record of investment success in sport, and Sportcity, a large sports centre was developed to accommodate the Commonwealth Games in 2002. The developments included the 48,000 seat City of Manchester stadium that is now home to Manchester City Football Club, the National Squash Centre, the 6,500 seat Manchester Regional Arena, the English Institute of Sport and the Manchester Velodrome. Over 400 events occur each year at Sportcity, attracting over 4,500,000 visitors.
Manchester Football Clubs
Manchester United was the first football club to break £300 million profit, and media revenues for the club increase consistently year on year. The year 2010 saw a 33% rise, bringing £53.4 million to the club, and an increase in commercial revenues of 16% brought in £38.7 million. Manchester City has also continued to grow, bringing in a further £125 million in 2010. Only the City of London, with three clubs, can claim greater commercial success in football.
For more information about doing business in Manchester, please visit New East Manchester's pages.
