Man United leaning towards 100,000-seater Old Trafford new-build

Meanwhile, Trafford Council and the GMCA are eyeing the creation of a mayoral development corporation to unlock the wider £4.3bn Old Trafford opportunity.

Manchester United is leaning towards the creation of a 100,000-seater new-build rather than redeveloping the existing ground, according to a report by Deloitte.

A decision on whether Manchester United will redevelop the existing Old Trafford stadium or build a new one on adjacent land is expected before the end of the season. The club is understood to favour the new-build option, which is preferred among fans, and would “amplify” the benefits to the club and wider community.

The new-build would have a 100,000 capacity and the refurb would increase capacity of the existing stadium from 74,000 to 87,000, according to a report by Deloitte.

Meanwhile, the regeneration of the area around Manchester United’s stadium could be accelerated through the creation of an MDC, similar to the one that has driven the transformation of Stockport town centre.

Trafford Council’s executive will meet on 27 January to discuss the scale of the Old Trafford opportunity.

A report by Oxford Economics states that successful implementation of proposals – which include plans for up to 17,000 homes around the stadium – could create around 48,000 new jobs in the borough and add £4.2bn to the local economy. The value to UK plc is estimated at more than £7bn.

In order to maximise the project’s chances of success, Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority propose creating an MDC that would have powers to acquire and develop land and bring forward new infrastructure.

One element of the masterplan the MDC could play a key role in is the relocation of the Freightliner terminal to St Helens to free up land next to the stadium.

The Old Trafford redevelopment ties in with the Trafford Wharfside masterplan. Credit: Nat Callaghan on Unsplash

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said the regeneration of Old Trafford was the most significant project of its type for more than a decade.

“These proposals offer the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and are an important part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth not only around Old Trafford but across Greater Manchester,” he said.

“Transforming the area around Old Trafford won’t just benefit Greater Manchester. By beginning to move freight away from the site we can bring new life to underused industrial land, open up capacity on our rail network, and unlock massive potential across the whole of the North.”

The MDC would be separate from the regeneration partnership formed by Trafford Council, Manchester United, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority last year and the Old Trafford Taskforce, headed up by Lord Sebastian Coe.

At next week’s meeting, Trafford’s executive will also consider supporting the creation of a Mayoral Development Zone within the wider Western Gateway in partnership with Salford City Council and agree the commission of a revised strategic masterplan.

The Western Gateway is one of Greater Manchester’s growth locations and incorporates  Carrington, Port Salford, Partington, Trafford City and Trafford Park.

Salford City Council will consider the proposals the following day.

“We fully welcome these important regeneration plans, they present a really positive step for the future growth of this area,” said Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett.

“This gives us the opportunity to explore all options associated with this area and together with our colleagues at Trafford Council and the GMCA, it means we can begin serious conversations about shaping the future of this part of the region.

He added: “Our attention will very much be on Port Salford and how the plans in Trafford dovetail with our joint ambitions to realise significant growth opportunities in the ‘Western Gateway’ area. Key to this is exploring opportunities to secure significant infrastructure investment.”

The stadium project forms part of a wider plan to regenerate the area. Credit: via council documents

Cllr Liz Patel, executive member for economy and regeneration at Trafford Council, described the Old Trafford opportunity as “once in a lifetime”.

“We are working with our partners at Manchester United, GMCA, Salford City Council, local residents, and businesses to make sure these plans will benefit everyone,” she said.

“There will be new jobs, new homes, more shops and food outlets for visitors. It will be a world class experience for fans and it will create green spaces to make it better for the environment.

“This is a long-term plan that will take several years to bear fruit but, as the report says, this is one of the most significant opportunities for urban renewal in the borough and the results will be great for Trafford and the surrounding region.”