Man United Partner Up With Locals for Old Trafford Facelift

Manchester United is combining efforts with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to explore options for the redevelopment of Old Trafford, as part of a £2-billion regeneration project.

The club’s Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force – which was formed in March – is chaired by World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, and he recommended rebuilding the venue as a 100 000-seat stadium.

The project will focus on integrating the new stadium with broader regeneration efforts in the Trafford Wharfside area. An independent director and advisory team will be appointed to co-ordinate efforts between Manchester United, local authorities and the task force. This team will then align the stadium development with the existing master plans for Trafford and GMCA’s growth strategy.

United co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, emphasised the “ambitious” project’s potential to rival Wembley Stadium in London, and called for public-private partnerships to help fund the initiative.

“The future of Old Trafford is the next chapter, and we now have the chance to ensure it’s crafted properly,” said Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, while expressing his enthusiasm.

“With this partnership, we have the expertise, vision and passion to propel the Trafford Wharfside area’s regeneration, delivering genuine benefits for the community, fans and the wider northern economy.”

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