MANCHESTER UNITED have appointed a world-renowned architecture group to design a new stadium for the Old Trafford area.
Foster + Partners will be tasked with developing a “masterplan” for the club-owned land.
Officials want to build a “world-class football destination and home” for Man Utd fans.
They also wish to incorporate a wider plan comprising mixed-use developments that will benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase job provision, and make it a vibrant destination for visitors both from the UK and across the world.
United have promised to remain engaged with fans, community members, local authorities and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force throughout the process.
The design of the actual stadium, which will sit at the heart of the area, will be completed when wider plans are determined.
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Discussing the new partnership, Lord Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “As a proud Mancunian, I am passionate about the chance to rebuild on Manchester’s great industrial heritage, creating a vibrant new mixed-use community, served by highly sustainable and improved transport links, providing homes and jobs for the local community, all catalysed by a world-class stadium for the world’s most famous football team – Manchester United.”
Lord Foster is already involved with the £50million refurbishment of Man Utd’s Carrington training complex.
Foster + Partners assisted with the development of Wembley Stadium in London, widely regarded as the home of English football.
The company also helped to develop the Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
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What we know about the ‘new’ Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.
The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.
A capacity of 100,000 is expected.
It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.
The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.
United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.
There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.
However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.
The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.
The target is for completion by 2030.
New United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been desperate to transform the club’s home into a “Wembley of the North” since taking over at the start of this year.
Collette Roche, the club’s chief operating officer, said: “We have a clear vision to transform and revitalise the club-owned land around Old Trafford and we know that Foster + Partners is the best partner to help us develop the plans.
“This is an area of Greater Manchester ready for major new investment so that it can thrive once more, and we are determined to help deliver those outcomes.
“We want this area to become a true destination, that not only provides an unbeatable matchday experience for our fans, but also supports other forms of entertainment, leisure, business and residential facilities surrounding a world-class stadium.
“Lord Foster has unrivalled experience in delivering projects of this scale and ambition.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
