Plans for Man Utd's 100k-seater 'Wembley of the North' take another step closer
Plans for Man Utd's 100k-seater 'Wembley of the North' take another step closer
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Plans for Manchester United to build a new 100,00-seater stadium have been given a further boost by Trafford Council. United received a major boost last week when the UK government threw their support behind the project which plans to regenerate the surrounding area of Old Trafford, the club's current 74,000-seater home. Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made building a new stadium central to his plans to revitalise the Premier League giants, who last renovated their existing stadium in 2005.
Monaco-based billionaire Ratcliffe had urged Labour chiefs to help fund a project which would include a brand new stadium or see the renovation of Old Trafford, arguing that it could be 'Wembley of the North' and serve as more than merely a base for United's men's team. On Monday, Trafford Council gave their unequivocal backing to the project which they believe will 'transformational'.
The local council will now seek a 'top-class consultant team' who'll be charged with 'helping to shape a high-profile strategic masterplan for the regeneration of the area'. A short debate on the plans was held at a town hall meeting, with members being told that the project will add an estimated £7.3billion to the economy and provide more than 90,000 jobs and 15,000 homes.
United have pledged to pay for any stadium development but support from public bodies is needed to fund the wider regeneration which would include transport and housing. A decision on whether to build a new stadium or refurbish the existing Old Trafford, taking it to around 87,000 capacity, expected at the end of the current season.
