A 2M SF East Manchester development could become the hub for the HQs of Britain's sporting bodies, a report to Manchester City Council's ruling Executive said.

The plan — which depends on the purchase of the Edwin Road industrial estate, next to the Etihad stadium — was already expected to see Rugby League's HQ move to Manchester from Leeds.

"The development for Rugby Football League will also allow the City Council the opportunity to incorporate an additional, flexible office solution for other National Governing Bodies, enabling use for ad hoc visits to Manchester through to the full relocation of organisations as an HQ or regional location," the report said.

"The proposal is supported by Sport England which understands the importance of collaboration amongst its organisations and will enhance the vision for the Etihad Campus of being the epicentre of sport in the U.K."

The report to councillors says talks with occupiers at the Edwin Road site are progressing well.

The sporting campus would echo the agricultural business campus at Stoneleigh in the Midlands, which has long housed the HQs of most of the country's food and farming organisations.

The new Eastlands regeneration strategy also includes commercial opportunities on the fringe of Phillips Park and more housing.