Social benefits and the planning of the East Manchester Sportcity

Abstract

This research is a case study of Sportcity in East Manchester, to determine if, and to what extent social benefits were incorporated into the planning process. The research adds to a theoretical understanding of sports cities and their potential social contribution. Using Sportcity as a single case study, the research tests the utility of five propositions from the Social Benefits of Sports Cities conceptual framework (SBSC framework); a framework that integrates concepts from the fields of urban planning and sport [Pye, P. N., Toohey, K., & Cuskelly, G. (2015). The social benefits in sports city planning: A conceptual framework. Sport in Society, 31(4), 500–530]. Results indicate that an improved East Manchester economy was the conduit to social change and evidence supported three of the five SBSC propositions. An additional social benefit emerged from the data, and it was concluded that to improve the utility of the SBSC conceptual framework, one additional category is warranted.

Keywords:

• sport
• social benefits
• liveable cities
• sports city
• urban planning

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to acknowledge the generosity and candid input of numerous participants and interviewees without whom this research would not have been possible.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. The term ‘sports city’ is used generically in this article to discuss the broader concept of sports cities, while the name ‘Sportcity’, a brand name applied in Manchester, refers specifically to the East Manchester case. In addition, although the Sportcity venue has been renamed twice, first as Eastlands, and then Etihad Stadium, the original term, Sportcity, is used in this article.