MANCHESTER's Irish community have submitted plans to the city council for a massive expansion of their cultural and heritage centre.

The £12.5 million revamp of the existing Irish World Heritage Centre will be the focus of a larger makeover of Cheetham Hill, including a new retail park bringing hundreds of jobs and tourists.

The 13.5 acre site for the centre off Queen's Road was donated by the city council and the plan is so highly regarded it is one of the few overseas projects to receive funding from the Irish government - who are putting in about £2 million.

European funding, other grants and private cash make up the balance for the project, which will also include a large exhibition area and function rooms.

A three-storey 36-bed hotel is also planned, along with sports field, pavilion and associated works.

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