Architecture studio Foster + Partners is set to be appointed to develop a masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District for Manchester United.
The exercise, aimed at the club-owned land that surrounds the existing stadium, will include engagement with fans, community members, local authorities and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force.
Feedback and insights from this engagement will be incorporated into the masterplan design.
The focus is to design a wider masterplan comprising mixed-use developments aimed at benefiting the local community, attracting new residents, increasing job provision, and attracting visitors.
Old Trafford Stadium itself will not form part of this exercise – its design will begin once the club has decided on the development options.
According to the BBC the club’s owners are still considering whether to pursue a £2 billion plan for a brand new 100,000-seat stadium, increasing it from its current Old Trafford, which currently has a capacity of 74,310, or redevelop the existing ground.
The BBC also reported that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirmed no public money will be spent on the stadium revamp for the time being.
Foster + Partners will also provide recommendations on how the Stadium District masterplan can best align with the existing Trafford Wharfside masterplan and the objectives of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for the city region.
The Trafford Wharfside masterplan is a 15-year regeneration project for Trafford Council.
The masterplan has the potential for up to 5,000 new homes, and is aimed at developing a setting for Manchester United.
In February, when the masterplan was unveiled, The BBC reported Manchester United called the plans “tremendously exciting”.
On Monday, an economic report commissioned to explore the benefits of a new 100,000-seater stadium as part of a regenerated Trafford Park found the project could deliver an additional £7.3 billion per year to the UK’s economy.
The report, conducted by Oxford Economics, estimates 92,000 new jobs would be created, with more than 17,000 new homes and 1.8 million visitors per year.
Foster + Partners founder and executive chairman Lord Foster 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.”
Collette Roche, Manchester United 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.”
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