September 10 – Manchester United have advanced their plans to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium by entering into a strategic partnership with local authorities aimed at maximising regeneration opportunities around Old Trafford.
The Premier League giants have joined forces with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to explore how the development of a world-class stadium could transform the Trafford Wharfside area into a vibrant hub for residential, sports, leisure, business, and entertainment.
An independent director and advisory team will be appointed to oversee the project, ensuring that United’s stadium plans align with Trafford Council’s master plan and GMCA’s broader growth strategy. The findings will contribute to the recommendations of a taskforce led by Lord Coe, tasked with driving the area’s transformation.
Manchester United’s new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is pushing for a final decision on his ambitious ‘Wembley of the North’ vision by the end of the year. The proposed new stadium could be completed by 2030.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “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.”
As part of the redevelopment plan, United have also announced intentions to preserve a scaled-down version of the current Old Trafford. This would serve as a living monument to the club’s rich history and continue to host women’s and academy matches.
Lord Coe said: “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.
“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.”
Councillor Liz Patel, executive member for economy and regeneration at Trafford Council, added: “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.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1728168408labto1728168408ofdlr1728168408owedi1728168408sni@g1728168408niwe.1728168408yrrah1728168408