Local Councils Join Manchester United to Revamp Old Trafford

Local councils have partnered with Manchester United to ensure that the redevelopment of Old Trafford benefits the surrounding area. Specifically, Manchester United has formed a task force led by Lord Sebastian Coe to evaluate whether to renovate the existing stadium or build a new one. This initiative includes Manchester United, Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority working together to maximize the redevelopment’s impact on the local community.

Lord Coe has expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating it will “help fully unlock the incredibly exciting potential” of the redevelopment. Furthermore, the plans encompass Trafford Council’s proposal for about 5,000 new homes in the Trafford Wharfside area, along with improved connections to Salford and Manchester city center. Moreover, the partnership will establish a new advisory team to oversee regeneration efforts ensuring that any new stadium aligns with the area’s development proposals.

This advisory team will operate independently from the stadium task force chaired by Lord Coe which includes notable figures like Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville. Consequently, the task force aims to decide by the end of 2024 whether to proceed with a £2 billion plan for a new 100,000-seat stadium.

Lord Coe emphasized that the project represents a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to create a “world-class stadium for the north of England” while also delivering “broad social and economic benefits” to the local area and surrounding region.