Up to 48,000 jobs and at least 5,000 new homes could be created as part of an ambitious £4.2bn regeneration project around the new stadium being proposed for Manchester United, according to a new report.
United bosses are working on plans to either redevelop the ailing Old Trafford stadium with an enhanced 87,000 capacity or build a brand new 100,000 capacity stadium, but it could be part of the biggest urban regeneration project since the the London 2012 Olympics, according to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
He spoke as a new report – including executive summary by Deloitte regarding the feasibility of Old Trafford regeneration and an economic impact study by Oxford Economics – was published today (Friday, January 17). It will go to Trafford council leaders, who are now being asked to give the green light to the next stage in the ‘once in lifetime opportunity’.
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The proposals – which include the redevelopment of Manchester United’s ground or a completely new stadium – will benefit all sectors of the economy, including the building of 5,000 homes in Trafford Wharfside, with the potential for up to 12,000 more, once the wider regeneration has been completed, the report says.
A decision on the stadium – whether to redevelop the current Old Trafford and creating an 87,000 capacity or a to build a brand new 100,000 stadium – is due to be made before the end of the season.
Trafford council leaders meet to discuss the report on January 27 and will also discuss the benefits of the establishment of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to help drive the regeneration with powers to acquire and develop land.
Trafford council, Manchester United and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have already formed a strategic partnership to maximise the growth and regeneration opportunities of the area.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “These proposals offer the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and are an important part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth not only around Old Trafford but across Greater Manchester.
“Our city-region is in a unique position. We are driving growth faster than the UK average, attracting more investment through innovative partnerships, and we have developed an innovative new mechanism to deliver the homes, jobs, and infrastructure that we need to lock in those benefits for years to come.
“Transforming the area around Old Trafford won’t just benefit Greater Manchester. By beginning to move freight away from the site we can bring new life to underused industrial land, open up capacity on our rail network, and unlock massive potential across the whole of the North. We are ready to move forward and will be working closely with government, our councils and communities, and the club to make sure we get this right.”
-Credit:Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.
Lord Sebastian Coe, Chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, said: “I want to thank the Task Force members for their dedication to this important project which will lead to significant growth not only for Trafford but for Greater Manchester and also the North West of England.
“Collectively we have examined a wide range of options to produce a report that outlines the huge opportunity that Manchester United and the local authorities have to deliver major economic and social growth. At the heart of the plan is a world-class football stadium which will act as a catalyst for one of the biggest regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK.”
Coun Liz Patel, Trafford’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to totally transform Old Trafford and the surrounding area, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and much needed new homes.
“We are working with our partners at Manchester United, GMCA, Salford City Council, local residents and businesses to make sure these plans will benefit everyone.
“There will be new jobs, new homes, more shops and food outlets for visitors. It will be a world class experience for fans and it will create green spaces to make it better for the environment.
“This is a long-term plan that will take several years to bear fruit but, as the report says, this is one of the most significant opportunities for urban renewal in the borough and the results will be great for Trafford and the surrounding region.”
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “We fully welcome these important regeneration plans, they present a really positive step for the future growth of this area.
“This gives us the opportunity to explore all options associated with this area and together with our colleagues at Trafford Council and the GMCA, it means we can begin serious conversations about shaping the future of this part of the region.
“Our attention will very much be on Port Salford and how the plans in Trafford dovetail with our joint ambitions to realise significant growth opportunities in the ‘Western Gateway’ area. Key to this is exploring opportunities to secure significant infrastructure investment.
“The economic benefits associated with these opportunities are huge and we now need to ensure that we work collectively so that they are fully realised.”