UK Government backs Man Utd’s Old Trafford regeneration plans

The UK Government has backed Manchester United’s regeneration project for the area around the club’s iconic Old Trafford home.

In a statement, the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, hailed the project as a “shining example of the bold pro-development model that will drive growth across the region”.

Last year, United appointed a new task force, in order to evaluate options for the renovation of Old Trafford, or construction of a new stadium.

The Old Trafford Task Force recently determined that the current stadium could increase its capacity to 87,000, while a new venue could hold 100,000.

Last week, an initial options report revealed by the task force revealed that the project could generate an additional £7.bn gross value for the UK economy, as well as more than 90,000 work opportunities.

Although the club says both options are still under consideration, part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly prefers the latter, which could cost more than £2bn.

The Premier League outfit have been collaborating with the Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to set out plans to regenerate the area.

Funding for the stadium’s redevelopment would need to be provided by the club, however support from public bodies would facilitate the broader regeneration of the area surrounding the stadium, improving transport infrastructure and housing.

“The delivery of a world-class stadium can be the catalyst for major regeneration of an area of Greater Manchester which requires new investment to thrive again,” said Omar Berrada, CEO of Manchester United.

“We cannot achieve that wider aim on our own, which is why we welcome the announcement by the Chancellor and the ongoing support of the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Trafford Council.

“If we work together, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a landmark project around Old Trafford that the whole region can be proud of.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, added, “The project around Old Trafford represents the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and is a key part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth across Greater Manchester.

“We look forward to working with the Government on moving freight away from the site around Old Trafford to new locations to open up capacity for our rail network and unlock massive regeneration potential – delivering benefits across the whole of the North.”

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