September 24 – Manchester United are set to appoint architecture firm Foster + Partners to develop a ‘masterplan’ for the Old Trafford Stadium District, covering the club-owned land that surrounds the existing stadium.
Foster + Partners, which is led by Manchester-born Norman Foster, will create the masterplan for the new stadium, coupled with a wider masterplan comprising mixed-use development which will “benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase job provision, and make it a vibrant destination for visitors from Manchester, the UK and all around the world”.
The club has promised that the exercise will include substantial engagement with fans, community members, local authorities and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, whose feedback will be incorporated into the masterplan design.
“As a proud Mancunian, I am passionate about the chance to rebuild on Manchester’s great industrial heritage, creating a vibrant new mixed-use community, served by highly sustainable and improved transport links, providing homes and jobs for the local community, all catalysed by a world-class stadium for the world’s most famous football team – Manchester United,” said Foster.
“We have a clear vision to transform and revitalise the club-owned land around Old Trafford and we know that Foster + Partners is the best partner to help us develop the plans,” said Manchester United chief operating officer Collette Roche.
“This is an area of Greater Manchester ready for major new investment so that it can thrive once more, and we are determined to help deliver those outcomes, ” she continued.
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has said that no public money will be spent on Manchester United’s plans though he did say that a freight station that needs to be moved to create space for the plans may require public finance to enable a move to Merseyside.
Costs have been estimated at more than $2 billion to build a 100,000 capacity stadium.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734962902labto1734962902ofdlr1734962902owedi1734962902sni@g1734962902niwe.1734962902yrrah1734962902