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Manchester United have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at developing the area surrounding Old Trafford.
In a press release on the official Man United website, the club confirmed that it has entered into a partnership with the Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in an effort to “maximise the growth and regeneration opportunities of the Trafford Wharfside area.”
The strategic partnership will entail the appointment of an advisory team that will support ongoing work around Old Trafford, ensuring that it aligns with the goals of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which was formed in March to explore either the development of a new stadium or the redevelopment of Old Trafford and its existing infrastructure.
Consisting of local leaders including Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Chief Executive of Trafford Council Sara Todd, and United legend Gary Neville, the task force held its first meeting in April.
Under the strategic partnership, the advisory team will provide United and its fellow stakeholders with project management and technical support, while also providing critical information to the GMCA as it deliberates its final recommendations.
“The objective of this once-in-a-generation project is not only the development of a world-class stadium for the north of England but also to ensure that this brings broad social and economic benefits to the local area and surrounding region,” Chair of the Task Force Lord Coe stated.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham also chimed in, emphasising the importance of rejuvenating the area surrounding Old Trafford given the status of Greater Manchester as a global football hub.
Councillor Liz Patel, who heads up Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council, added that the strategic partnership will deliver benefits that extend beyond the club’s stadium.
“We have ambitious regeneration plans for the Trafford Wharfside area. Our plan is for up to 5,000 new homes in the area, new opportunities for retail space and better connections between Trafford Wharfside, Salford and Manchester city centre,” Patel explained.
Old Trafford has long been a contentious topic for United supporters, who broadly view the stadium’s neglect as a hallmark of the Glazers’ ownership of the club.
The stadium’s leaky roof has been a critical issue at the heart of the Old Trafford debacle, with no material changes as of yet since the Ineos takeover of the club.
While there appears to be the possibility that architect Sir Norman Foster could design a new “state-of-the-art Old Trafford”, any positive updates will surely be appreciated by the United fanbase whatever the approach may be, especially after years of neglect.
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