Man United handed major boost as Government announces backing for Old Trafford regeneration project – as Red Devils aim for 100,000 super-stadium
Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their plans for a new, 100,000-capacity Old Trafford after the project received Government support.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has revealed she will champion the regeneration project around Old Trafford.
The Government said the project, which will also lead to new housing, commercial and public spaces, would be a ‘shining example of the bold pro-development model that will drive growth across the region’.
Authorities are exploring setting up a mayoral development corporation body to develop the area.
The Government support comes after Mail Sport revealed earlier this month that the prospect of a new stadium and the demolishing of Man United’s current Old Trafford home had taken a step forwards.
The group, which includes Gary Neville, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Lord Coe, were charged with examining whether United should refurbish Old Trafford or build a new state-of-the-art replacement on adjoining land.
Man United have received a major boost in plans for a new 100,000-capacity Old Trafford
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed Government backing for the regeneration project
Man United are expected to press ahead with a new stadium and demolish Old Trafford
They found that a redevelopment of the existing stadium, which has stood in place since 1910, would be limited to 87,000.
A world-leading new venue, however, would maximise potential and serve as the centrepiece of one of the biggest regeneration projects Britain has ever seen.
While all options remain on the table, United officials will now focus their energies on a 100,000 newbuild.
Mail Sport understands that key figures at the Premier League giants are hopeful that enabling work could start on the project before the end of this year.
A final decision will be made before the end of the season.
The task force was set up following Ratcliffe’s arrival and charged with carrying out a feasibility study around a new build or a refurbishment.
It has found that while redevelopment and rebuild would both ‘deliver transformative benefits’, a new stadium would see those benefits ‘amplified’.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Burnham described the proposals as offering ‘the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012’.
‘They are an important part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth not only around Old Trafford but across Greater Manchester,’ he added.
