- Trafford Council has proposed to regenerate the area around Old Trafford
- It is a step forward for Manchester United’s plans to transform their ground
- CHRIS SUTTON: I wouldn’t get the flags at Man United yet – It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Manchester United’s plans to transform Old Trafford have taken a step forward after council bosses announced proposals to revitalize the area surrounding the stadium.
Trafford Council has launched a ‘Trafford Wharfside masterplan’ which it says provides a vision for the area ‘as a key emerging neighbourhood’.
The plans have been drawn up in partnership with Peel landowners United and cover an area that Mail Sport reports will be part of a major regeneration project that could include a new Old Trafford with a capacity of 90,000.
Although the proposals have been drawn up by the council, this move is a clear indication of the speed at which Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group want to move forward. Their 25 percent stake in the club will be officially ratified next week.
A number of development sites have been identified as part of a vision which council bosses say will ‘put nature and landscape at the heart of the vision’. It stretches from Old Trafford to the Manchester Ship Canal and would connect the area to BBC HQ MediaCity, just across the water.
Trafford Council bosses announced proposals to regenerate the area around Old Trafford
The massive regeneration project could include a new 90,000 capacity stadium for Man United
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The venues are split into different areas, with Old Traddord forming part of a ‘Stadium District’. Others include Trafford Wharf, Heritage Quarter, Innovation Quarter and Wharfside Heart.
Collette Roche, Chief Operating Officer at United, said: “This vision for Trafford Wharfside is hugely exciting and we are proud to support Trafford Council with their ambitious plans for an area with such huge potential.
‘We will continue to work closely with the council and other local stakeholders on how future development work at Old Trafford can complement their vision and, importantly, benefit the local community.’