United formalises Roche’s New Trafford mandate
Manchester United’s Collette Roche will swap her chief operating officer role to focus solely on the creation of a 100,000-seater stadium as chief executive of the project.
Roche has been spearheading the project for the club from the outset and will now take on the newly created role.
Her appointment will see her continue to work closely with the recently established Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation, chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe, and was described by the club as a “an exciting next step” for the stadium project.
“I am incredibly proud to have been asked to lead the new stadium development and continue to work closely with the Mayoral Development Corporation and all our diverse stakeholders,” Roche said.
“Our aspiration is to create the best stadium in the world for the best team and fanbase in sport – guided by fans’ input throughout the design and development process. We are committed to taking a consultative approach, ensuring our plans are shaped by fans every step of the way.”
Among the many hurdles standing between the club and its vision for a new stadium is a complex land assembly process involving neighbour Freightliner.
Plans for a new stadium for Manchester United underpin the wider regeneration of the 370 acres around the existing ground.
The scheme has been billed as the largest of its kind ever attempted in the UK, with many comparing its potential to the regeneration of Kings Cross and transformation of parts of East London off the back of London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid.
Collette Roche spoke to Place North West at MIPIM 2025 following the launch of plans for the new stadium. Credit: PNW
‘ the best stadium in the world for the best team and fan base in sport’
Really ? That’s a very bold statement not backed up with facts.
I notice Collette Roche is not claiming their obvious title ‘ the best debt in the world’
By Mark Jones
Utter folly. The club is already millions in debt and there’s no demand for more seats to watch a mediocre team.
By B Mused
Hopefully there will be an appointment of somebody at some point who has appropriate relevant experience of dealing with a process this. Until then……..dream on
By Dennis
When will the new stadium start, there’s been a lot of talking but no action
By Steve
That so-called ‘mediocre team’ just beat the top two teams. With the right manager they’ll be piling up trophies again in a magnificent new stadium in front of the most loyal fans in the world. A successful team and large local investment will be a win-win situation. That’s the theory anyway.
By Francis