MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been given their first glimpse of what the club’s revamped Old Trafford site could look like.
And that could feature a brand-spanking new 100,000-seater stadium.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to build a new ground on the land adjacent to Old Trafford.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion, with the surrounding area set to be transformed into a commercial hub.
Plans are being discussed by chiefs and Man Utd have had an economic report commissioned to show what benefits the regeneration could have.
As part of the incredible study released by the club, supporters have been given a glimpse of what they can expect.
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The outside of a stunning new stadium is shown at the centre of the project.
The computer generated images have “New Trafford” circular in shape with a huge roof seen from a bird’s eye view.
Another snap shows a massive Man Utd badge on the side of the ground as red lights brighten a path full of fans walking to the turnstiles.
A closer look from a building next to the arena features a gallery and huge windows that look out to a park and statues of United legends.
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Foster + Partners, who designed Wembley Stadium, are the architects that have made the latest drawings.
They have also put together a map of what the area could look like, with the “urban regeneration” spreading across the whole of the Trafford Park region.
New houses, commercial areas and improved transport links have all been proposed.
The study from Oxford Economics thinks the redevelopment will provide the UK economy with a £7.3billion per year boost.
They predict “92,000 new jobs, more than 17,000 new homes and an additional 1.8 million visitors per year.”
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.
“To create 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.”
Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham said: “This could be the biggest regeneration scheme ever seen in this country.”
Ratcliffe’s plans to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford comes after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Santiago Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
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.
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The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910 and 2030 is the target finish date for new project.
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
