The development partner will be expected to finance the project, which will require an investment in the region of £300m.

Interested parties are invited to submit proposals for “a major leisure development” on the land next to the City of Manchester Stadium, home to Manchester City Football Club.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This currently vacant site offers the opportunity to develop a visitor attraction that will be both nationally and internationally significant in a prime location just 1.5 miles east of the city centre."