Manchester City have announced that the first phase of work to expand the Etihad Stadium is to begin imminently, with the Premier League side appointing international engineering company ‘Laing O’Rourke’ to oversee construction.

Tom Glick, City’s chief commercial officer, told the club’s official website: “The expansion of the stadium is a hugely significant moment for City.”

STADIUM EXPANSION: Laing O’Rourke appointed as construction partner and work to begin immediately on South Stand: http://t.co/i08YmNRq8u

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) March 31, 2014

“We are delighted to announce Laing O’Rourke as a partner as we embark on this historic project.

“The waiting list for the expanded Etihad is already close to capacity and we look forward to seeing a sell-out 54,000-seat stadium as we open the 2015 season.”

The expanded North and South stands combined will eventually see the capacity rise to 60,000,with a new widely available £299 season ticket to be introduced, while the club will also improve the corporate facilities.

Steve Coleby, Leader for Laing O’Rourke’s Construction UK business said:

“Laing O’Rourke is delighted to be expanding one of the UK’s most popular sports and leisure arenas for one of the most successful Premier League clubs.

“Our team is known for delivering logistically complex engineering work, combining expertise from across the Laing O’Rourke Group and our specialist businesses. This, along with our use of the latest Digital Engineering technologies, will help us to deliver efficiently with minimal disruption during match days, concerts and other events hosted throughout the year.”

City’s new state-of-the-art £200 million academy and training complex is due to open this summer.