Manchester United is exploring the possibility of redeveloping Old Trafford or constructing a new 100,000-seat stadium, a project that could significantly benefit the UK economy and create thousands of job opportunities. The club has been working with the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force (OTRTF) to assess the feasibility of these plans. The OTRTF, which includes prominent figures such as former United defender Gary Neville, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, has completed an initial feasibility report outlining the potential benefits of this major redevelopment.
The task force’s report suggests that either expanding the current stadium to a capacity of 87,000 or building a new stadium could have a transformative impact on the region. The proposed redevelopment could inject an additional £7.3 billion into the UK economy, while also creating over 90,000 employment opportunities. The report emphasizes that the new stadium would not only serve as a sports venue but also act as a catalyst for wider regeneration in the Trafford Park area, including the development of mixed-use spaces such as residential, retail, leisure, and business facilities.
In November, a survey indicated that a majority of Manchester United fans preferred a new stadium over the redevelopment of Old Trafford. This has led the club to consider both options seriously, with a decision expected by the summer. Regardless of the choice, the project is seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize a historically industrial area and turn it into a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment, and business.
The plans include the development of a “re-energized Trafford Park” surrounding the new stadium, which could lead to a surge in economic activity and urban regeneration. In addition to the stadium, the area would feature new housing, retail outlets, and business spaces, further contributing to the local economy. According to the OTRTF, this could be one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in the UK since the London 2012 Olympics.
As part of the consultation process, over 60% of the 1,000 local residents surveyed expressed support for the project, believing it could bring substantial benefits to the area. Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) are now exploring the possibility of establishing a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to help drive the project forward. The MDC would have the power to oversee the delivery of large-scale developments, including the creation of new urban spaces and settlements in the area.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham highlighted the broader regional benefits of the project, stressing that the transformation of Old Trafford and its surrounding area would have a far-reaching impact on the north of England. He pointed out that moving freight away from the site could open up underused industrial land, improve capacity on the rail network, and unlock growth potential across the entire region.
Sebastian Coe, a member of the task force, echoed Burnham’s sentiments, emphasizing the massive opportunity for economic and social growth that the redevelopment presents. The project aims to create not only a world-class stadium but also a thriving community that can serve as a model for urban regeneration.
Councillor Liz Patel from Trafford Council also spoke about the long-term benefits of the project, noting that while the transformation would take several years to fully realize, it represents a rare chance to revitalize Old Trafford and its surrounding area. The project is expected to create tens of thousands of new jobs and provide much-needed housing for the region, positioning it as one of the most significant urban renewal initiatives in Trafford’s history.
