Manchester United has confirmed the proposed location for its new 100,000-seater stadium, marking another major milestone in the long-term vision to transform the Old Trafford area. Old Trafford has been the home of United since 1910.
The reveal is part of an ambitious masterplan for the sports-led regeneration of Trafford Wharfside. United’s proposed new home will sit at the heart of a new Stadium District, approximately 350 metres north-west of the existing Old Trafford stadium.
Collette Roche, CEO, New Stadium Development at Manchester United, said, “The proposed stadium site is ideally located alongside Old Trafford, enabling us to preserve the heritage, traditions and matchday rituals that are so important to our supporters.
“We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not simply for them. Atmosphere, affordability and accessibility will remain at the heart of our plans, and we look forward to continuing our engagement with fans and other stakeholders as we move into the next phase of design and development.”
The Club had announced in June that it had secured 25 acres of land in the area.
BBC reported that Roche said while no decisions had been made over funding for a project initially estimated to cost £2bn with the potential to rise further, particular attention is being paid to maximising revenue. United are more than £1.3bn in debt because of a combination of legacy costs incurred by the Glazer takeover in 2005, a revolving credit limit and outstanding transfer payments.
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That is why a naming rights deal – such as those agreed by Arsenal with Emirates and Manchester City with Etihad for their new stadiums – is probable.
“I don’t know what the stadium will be called but we’ve been really vocal that we are going to potentially look at naming rights to the stadium. It’s an important revenue stream and something we’ve discussed with our fan advisory board, ” said Roche. She is also adamant no public money will be used for stadium construction.
The Stadium District will be purpose-built for sport, entertainment and year-round activity, with the new stadium serving as the flagship landmark of the wider Trafford Wharfside development and Greater Manchester. The masterplan sets out a bold vision for Trafford Wharfside, including new and improved public transport links, enhanced rail connectivity, and extensive walking and cycling infrastructure.
Building upon the character and heritage of the area, the vision is for a diverse neighbourhood creating 48,000 local jobs and 15,000 new homes, with the new stadium as the catalyst. Together, the mixed-use developments across 150 hectares have the potential to offer a £7.3bn-per-annum boost to the UK economy.
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said, “Wharfside will become a network of attractive neighbourhoods in which to live, work, wander, explore, relax with family, enjoy nature and wildlife, meet friends, eat out, have a drink, shop and be entertained. It will have the best of parks and waterside spaces, housing including affordable options in vibrant and diverse localities, new health and educational facilities, joined-up public transport and places to walk, cycle and be active.”
All images are indicative and do not represent the final plans. No decision has been made regarding the future of the existing Old Trafford stadium.
