Manchester Institute of Health and Performance: Planning permission granted

The Manchester Institute of Health and Performance is expected to open early next year

Plans to build a "world-class" sports health and science facility in Greater Manchester have been approved.

The Manchester Institute of Health and Performance (MIHP), at the Etihad Campus, will be the first of its kind in the UK, the city council said.

It will specialise in sports injuries and research, with Manchester City, British Cycling, GB Disability Swimming and GB Taekwondo said to benefit.

Planning permission has been given, with the site due to open next year.

MIHP, to be operated by private healthcare firm HCA, will also have health facilities for the public and will work with local universities.

Manchester City Council's executive member for housing and regeneration, Councillor Jeff Smith, said the centre will be an "incredible resource".

"MIHP is the next phase of these ambitious plans that will take east Manchester from being not only a world-renowned centre for sport and leisure, but also a world leader in sport and health science and research," he said.