Manchester United share exciting update on £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment plans

09/09/2024 06:54 AM

Manchester United have teamed up with a duo of local authorities to make the most of their Old Trafford regeneration.

In an official update delivered to supporters, the Premier League giants have promised that their 'world-class' new stadium will be accompanied by numerous benefits for the surrounding area.

The club has signed up for a 'strategic partnership' with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to 'maximise the growth and regeneration opportunities of the Trafford Wharfside area'.

An independent director and advisory team will support the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which is chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe, who commented on the agreement.

"The objective of this once-in-a-generation project is not only the development of a world-class stadium for the north of England, but also to ensure that this brings broad social and economic benefits to the local area and surrounding region," Lord Coe said.

"There is a huge opportunity to connect Trafford Wharfside regeneration with the ongoing growth of neighbouring Media City in Salford, and Greater Manchester's Western Gateway and Central Growth Cluster plans, to create a project of national significance. The tripartite advisory team will help fully unlock this incredibly exciting potential."

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, added: "Greater Manchester has a strong claim to be the biggest footballing city-region on the planet. Few places come close to matching our heritage and the global impact of our clubs and our culture. 

"The future of Old Trafford is the next chapter of that story, and we have a chance now to make sure it's written properly.

"With this new partnership we have the expertise, the vision, and the passion to drive forward the regeneration of the Trafford Wharfside area, and deliver real benefits for the community, the fans, and for the economy across the North."

Councillor Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council, also commented: "We have ambitious regeneration plans for the Trafford Wharfside area. Our plan is for up to 5,000 new homes in the area, new opportunities for retail space and better connections between Trafford Wharfside, Salford and Manchester city centre. 

"Trafford is proud to be the home of Manchester United, we already attract thousands of visitors every year, this transformational change will make it the perfect visitor destination for new businesses to invest in.

"We want Trafford Wharfside to be nationally recognised as a place which is dynamic and attractive for residents and businesses, so I look forward to working closely with our partners and local residents to realise our shared goal of transforming the area for everyone."

The Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force was set up in March to determine how best to move forward with the Theatre of Dreams, whether that be a redevelopment or complete rebuild.

The move came just a month after Stockport-born billionaire Jim Ratcliffe finalised a 25 per cent purchase of club shares and his company INEOS took over sporting matters at the club.

The condition of Old Trafford has been one of the major criticisms of the Glazer family ownership, with unfortunate headlines again arising in May 2024 when the roof of the stadium began heavily leaking during a match against Arsenal.

Ratcliffe joked about it being the 'third highest waterfall in Britain' as others took aim at the Glazers.

Former West Ham and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said on talkSPORT: “You have to point the finger here at the Glazers, they've definitely taken their eye off the ball on a number of issues. 

"Bottom line with the financials, well done, you've taken all the money out. Good luck to you.

"Actually, what have you left behind? A club in a massive crisis and Jim Ratcliffe is going to have to pick up the pieces and he has a big job on his hands."

While no official announcement has been made, the most recent reports suggested that a full rebuild with 100,000 seats is the club's priority.