ABBA themed venue planned next to football stadium

Plans for an ABBA themed party venue next to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium have been recommended for approval by council planners.

The entertainment company behind the "Mamma Mia! The Party" venue has already opened similar Greek restaurants with live music in Stockholm and London.

The venue would be built in Medlock Square, behind the club's new North Stand, and it would offer a theatrical dining experience for up to 600 guests per show.

Danny Wilson, managing director of Manchester City Operations, said: "We know there is ever increasing demand for more immersive, entertainment experiences in the north of England."

He said the club remained "focused on ensuring our local community benefit from any new facilities.

"Not only in terms of jobs and training during construction, but through our local supply chain enabling local people to build their careers with us."

Manchester City Football Club has been working with the entertainment firm Pophouse Entertainment on the venue, close to the Co-op Live arena.

According to council planning documents, the three-storey venue would be open throughout the year and it would create about 150 jobs.

Jessica Koravos, the Chief Executive of Pophouse, said: "Manchester is known for its innovation in music and entertainment and we cannot think of anywhere better to bring one of the world's most popular and ground breaking theatrical productions".

"Mamma Mia! The Party has been hugely successful in London and we are excited to be able to expand on that success," she added.

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