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Manchester United have confirmed the proposed location of their new 100,000-seater stadium, taking another major step towards one of the biggest regeneration projects ever undertaken by an English football club.
The proposed venue will be built approximately 350 metres north-west of the existing Old Trafford as the centrepiece of a new Stadium District within Trafford Wharfside.
The announcement forms part of Trafford Council's newly published masterplan, which sets out a long-term vision to transform the area into a world-class sporting, residential and commercial destination.
The project is being delivered in partnership with the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (OTR MDC), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), with Manchester United's new stadium serving as the catalyst for the wider redevelopment.
Collette Roche outlines Manchester United's vision
Manchester United's CEO of New Stadium Development, Collette Roche, described the publication of the Trafford Wharfside masterplan as another significant milestone in the club's long-term ambitions.
“The publication of the Wharfside Masterplan marks another significant milestone in our journey to create a new world-class home for Manchester United at the heart of a vibrant and transformational district for Trafford and Greater Manchester.
“Together with our partners, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a destination that creates lasting benefits for supporters, local communities and the wider region for decades to come.”
Roche explained that locating the new stadium alongside Old Trafford would allow the club to retain much of the matchday culture supporters have built over generations.
“The proposed stadium site is ideally located alongside Old Trafford, enabling us to preserve the heritage, traditions and matchday rituals that are so important to our supporters, while also providing the connectivity and infrastructure required to deliver a truly world-class fan experience.
“We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not simply for them. Atmosphere, affordability and accessibility will remain at the heart of our plans.”
The masterplan also proposes substantial improvements to public transport, rail connectivity, walking routes and cycling infrastructure to accommodate significantly larger crowds while improving access throughout Trafford Wharfside.
Trafford Council reveals regeneration ambitions
While the stadium remains the headline project, it represents only one part of a much broader redevelopment programme spanning around 150 hectares.
According to the masterplan, the regeneration could create approximately 48,000 local jobs, deliver 15,000 new homes and contribute an estimated £7.3 billion annually to the UK economy once fully developed.
Trafford Council leader Councillor Tom Ross believes the project has the potential to completely reshape the area.
“We are delighted to introduce the masterplan which starts a long journey to piece together what could happen where, to bring this world-class cultural and sporting destination to life.
“We want to create a great place to be, not just on matchdays but every day – and we're looking for as many residents and businesses as possible to help us to shape this vision.”
Ross added that the redevelopment would extend far beyond football.
“Wharfside will become a network of attractive neighbourhoods in which to live, work, wander, explore, relax with family, enjoy nature and wildlife, meet friends, eat out, have a drink, shop and be entertained.”
Manchester United noted hat the images released alongside the masterplan are illustrative rather than final designs, while no decision has yet been taken on the long-term future of the existing Old Trafford.
The club also confirmed that further supporter consultation on the stadium's design will take place during the next phase of the project.
FGG says: The project is becoming much bigger than a football stadium
Manchester United's proposed new home has always been about more than replacing Old Trafford, and the Trafford Wharfside masterplan underlines the scale of that ambition.
A new 100,000-seat stadium may be the centrepiece, but improved transport, housing, public spaces and commercial development are equally important to the project's long-term success.
There is still a considerable journey ahead before construction begins, but with the preferred site now confirmed and the wider vision unveiled, the regeneration of Old Trafford has taken another significant step towards becoming reality.