Manchester United have teamed up with a duo of local authorities to make the most of the regeneration of Old Trafford.
In a Official Update Handed over to fans, the Premier League giants have promised their new “world-class” stadium will be accompanied by numerous benefits for the surrounding area.
The club has signed a “strategic partnership” with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to “maximise the growth and regeneration opportunities of the Trafford Wharfside area”.
An independent director and advisory team will support the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, chaired by Lord Sebastian Coewho commented on the agreement.
“The aim of this first-of-its-kind project is not only to develop a world-class stadium for the North of England, but also to ensure that this brings wide-ranging social and economic benefits to the local area and the surrounding region,” Lord Coe said.
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“There is a huge opportunity to connect the regeneration of Trafford Wharfside with the ongoing growth of the neighbouring Media City in Salford and Greater Manchester’s Western Gateway and Central Growth Cluster schemes, to create a project of national significance. The tripartite advisory team will help to make the most of this incredibly exciting potential.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, added: “Greater Manchester has a right to be the greatest football city-region on the planet. Few places come close to matching our heritage and the global impact of our clubs and culture.
“The future of Old Trafford is the next chapter in that story, and now we have the opportunity to ensure it is written correctly.
“With this new partnership we have the experience, vision and passion to drive the regeneration of the Trafford Wharfside area and deliver real benefits for the community, fans and the economy across the North.”
Councillor Liz Patel, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, also said: “We have ambitious regeneration plans for the Trafford Wharfside area. Our plan is to build up to 5,000 new homes in the area, new opportunities for commercial space and improved connections between Trafford Wharfside, Salford and Manchester city centre.
“Trafford is proud to be the home of Manchester UnitedWe already attract thousands of visitors each year and this transformational change will make it the perfect destination for new companies to invest.
“We want Trafford Wharfside to be recognised nationally as a vibrant and attractive place 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.”
The Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce was set up in March to determine how best to move forward with the Theatre of Dreams, whether through redevelopment or a complete rebuild.
The move comes just a month after Stockport-born billionaire Jim Ratcliffe finalised his purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club and his company INEOS took over the club's sporting affairs.
The condition of Old Trafford has been one of the main criticisms of the Glazer family's ownership, with unfortunate headlines re-emerging in May 2024 when the stadium's roof began to Major leaks During a match against Arsenal.
Ratcliffe joked that it was “the third highest waterfall in Britain” while others criticised the Glazers.
Former West Ham and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew told talkSPORT: “The finger has to be pointed at the Glazers, they have definitely lost sight of the objective on a number of issues.
“In short, congratulations, you have made all the money. I wish you luck.”
“What have you really left behind? A club in crisis and Jim Ratcliffe is going to have to pick up the pieces and he has a big task ahead of him.”
While no official announcement has been made, recent reports suggested that a Complete reconstruction with 100,000 seats It is the club's priority.
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