Manchester United have welcomed the announcement of government backing for plans to regenerate the area around Old Trafford, with chief executive Omar Berda describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.
A statement from the Treasury on Saturday evening said the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, was championing the Old Trafford project as “a shining example” of the government’s plans to boost economic growth. A new venue – either to redevelop the existing stadium to increase its capacity to 87,000 or to build a new ground that can hold 100,000 fans – is central to the regeneration plan.
“Delivering a world-class stadium could be a catalyst for the regeneration of an area of ​​Greater Manchester that needs new redevelopment investment,” Berda said in a statement published on United’s website. “
“We cannot achieve this ambitious goal on our own, which is why we welcome the Chancellor’s announcement and the ongoing support of the Mayor of Greater Manchester. [Andy Burnham] and Trafford Council. If we work together, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a historic project around Old Trafford that the whole region can be proud of.
Although United will take responsibility for the development of the stadium, the support of public bodies will be needed to unlock the vast renaissance opportunities. This will include improved transport infrastructure and accommodation around Old Trafford.
Burnham said: “The project around Old Trafford represents the biggest civic regeneration opportunity this country has seen since London 2012 and is a key part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge Greater Manchester. part.”
The Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce – which includes Braham, Gary Neville and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe as its members – revealed a report on initial options last week. It included findings showing that the project could generate an additional £7.3 billion in aggregate value added to the UK economy and more than 90,000 jobs.
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With two options under consideration, either adding more than 12,000 capacity to the existing stadium or a major new build, United are set to decide on a preferred approach before the summer. A poll released in November found a majority of United fans in favor of a new stadium rather than rebuilding Old Trafford.
