Old Trafford Task Force completes feasibility work

The Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force has completed its initial feasibility work into options for a new or redeveloped stadium at Old Trafford as the catalyst for social and economic renewal of the surrounding area.

An Options Report has been submitted by the Task Force to executive bodies at Manchester United, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Trafford Borough Council, setting out a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the historic industrial engine room of Greater Manchester into a vibrant new driver of growth and innovation in sports, entertainment, business, and education.

The vision is for Manchester United to develop a world-class stadium, acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration of a re-energised Trafford Park, which initial findings suggest could deliver an extra £7.3bn gross value added to the UK economy and more than 90,000 employment opportunities*.

The Task Force determined that a redeveloped Old Trafford could increase the capacity of the existing stadium to 87,000, whereas a new-build stadium would allow capacity to reach 100,000. Both options remain under consideration, with the club set to decide on the preferred approach ahead of the summer.

says

The Task Force determined that a redeveloped Old Trafford could increase the capacity of the existing stadium to 87,000, whereas a new-build stadium would allow capacity to reach 100,000.

As part of the feasibility work, more than 50,000 United fans were surveyed, focus groups were established and open days held at Old Trafford to inform the work of the Task Force. 

The survey showed that more than 90 per cent of supporters are positive about the ambition to deliver a world-class stadium at the heart of a regenerated stadium district.

The data also showed that a new-build stadium at Old Trafford is the preference for the majority of fans who responded – with 52 per cent declaring support for that option. Redevelopment of the existing stadium was preferred by 31 per cent, with a further 17 per cent unsure.

Consultation was also held with the local community; more than 60 per cent of 1,000 residents surveyed felt the project could bring positive benefit to the area. All parties recognise the importance of this consultation and further engagement is planned for 2025 as the club moves closer to a direction of travel on the stadium.

Following publication of the Options Report, Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will discuss the benefits of establishing a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to help drive forward the project. An MDC is a statutory body which can drive the delivery of large-scale development, including mixed-use regeneration, transformational urban extensions, and new settlements. It can take on powers to acquire and develop land and bring forward new infrastructure – laying the groundwork for an ambitious regeneration project aligned with Greater Manchester’s wider growth mission.

Lord Sebastian Coe says

“At the heart of the plan is a world-class football stadium which will act as a catalyst for one of the biggest regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK.”

Lord Sebastian Coe, Chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, said: “I want to thank the Task Force members for their dedication to this important project which will lead to significant growth not only for Trafford but for Greater Manchester and also the North West of England.

“Collectively we have examined a wide range of options to produce a report that outlines the huge opportunity that Manchester United, and the local authorities, have to deliver major economic and social growth. At the heart of the plan is a world-class football stadium which will act as a catalyst for one of the biggest regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says

“These proposals offer the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and are an important part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth not only around Old Trafford but across Greater Manchester.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “These proposals offer the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and are an important part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth not only around Old Trafford but across Greater Manchester.

“Our city-region is in a unique position. We are driving growth faster than the UK average, attracting more investment through innovative partnerships, and we have developed an innovative new mechanism to deliver the homes, jobs, and infrastructure that we need to lock in those benefits for years to come.

“Transforming the area around Old Trafford won’t just benefit Greater Manchester. By beginning to move freight away from the site we can bring new life to underused industrial land, open up capacity on our rail network, and unlock massive potential across the whole of the North. We are ready to move forward and will be working closely with government, our councils and communities, and the club to make sure we get this right.”

Cllr Liz Patel says

“This is a long-term plan that will take several years to bear fruit but, as the report says, this is one of the most significant opportunities for urban renewal in the borough and the results will be great for Trafford and the surrounding region.”

Cllr Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to totally transform Old Trafford and the surrounding area, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and much-needed new homes.

“We are working with our partners at Manchester United, GMCA and Salford City Council to make sure these plans will benefit everyone. There will be new jobs, new homes, more shops and food outlets for visitors. It will be a world-class experience for fans and it will create green spaces to make it better for the environment.

“This is a long-term plan that will take several years to bear fruit but, as the report says, this is one of the most significant opportunities for urban renewal in the borough and the results will be great for Trafford and the surrounding region.”

* Economic impact numbers relate to potential development of a 100,000-seater stadium, plus new mixed-use developments (e.g. residential, retail, leisure, business)

Recommended:

• The Town Hall sessions

   Gallery

  This gallery takes you inside Tuesday’s meetings between fans and the Old Trafford task force.

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