Manchester United has welcomed the UK government’s support for the regeneration project around Old Trafford, with CEO Omar Berrada calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The project, championed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, includes the potential development of a world-class venue—either by redeveloping the current stadium to increase its capacity to 87,000 or constructing a new stadium for 100,000 fans.
Berrada emphasized that the stadium’s development could act as a catalyst for revitalizing Greater Manchester, attracting new investment.
He acknowledged the need for collaboration with public bodies, including Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, to unlock the project’s full potential.
The wider regeneration plan includes improvements to transport infrastructure and housing around Old Trafford.
Burnham highlighted the project’s importance, calling it the biggest urban regeneration opportunity since the London 2012 Olympics.
The initiative aims to foster economic growth across Greater Manchester and the UK, creating up to £7.3bn in gross value and over 90,000 jobs.
A task force, including figures like Gary Neville and Lord Coe, has been established to oversee the project.
United fans have expressed a preference for a new stadium, with a decision expected ahead of the summer.
Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority are also exploring the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to support the large-scale regeneration effort.
This would help manage land acquisition and infrastructure development to drive the project forward.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
