MANCHESTER UNITED have taken a major step forward in their discussions surrounding the future of Old Trafford.
A Task Force, set up by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe last March, announced that they have “completed their initial feasibility work into options for a new or redeveloped stadium.”
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The group, which includes Gary Neville, Andy Burnham and Lord Sebastian Coe, were charged with examining whether United should refurbish Old Trafford or build a new state-of-the-art replacement on adjoining land.
The Task Force determined that a redeveloped Old Trafford could increase the capacity of the existing ground, which has stood in place since 1910, from 74,000 to 87,000,
But a new-build stadium, which would cost around £2billion, would allow capacity to reach 100,000.
Both options remain under consideration, with the Red Devils hierarchy set to decide on the preferred approach ahead of the summer.
A club statement read: “An Options Report has been submitted by the Task Force to executive bodies at Manchester United, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Trafford Borough Council.
“It sets out a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the historic industrial engine room of Greater Manchester into a vibrant new driver of growth and innovation in sports, entertainment, business, and education.
“The vision is for Manchester United to develop a world-class stadium, acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration of a re-energised Trafford Park, which initial findings suggest could deliver an extra £7.3bn gross value added to the UK economy and more than 90,000 employment opportunities.”
The consensus is that United are leaning towards a new build as the “Wembley of the North” centre-piece of a wider regeneration project.
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A farewell to Old Trafford – and a significant moment in British sporting history – now looks increasingly likely, according to The Mail.
It is estimated that it would take around seven years for United to have an operational new stadium, which would be the largest in Britain, according to The Telegraph.
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Lord Coe, who is chairing the Task Force, said the plans would act as a catalyst for “one of the biggest regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK”.
As part of the feasibility work, more than 50,000 United fans were surveyed.
The survey showed that more than 90 per cent of supporters are positive about the ambition to deliver a world-class stadium at the heart of a regenerated stadium district.
The data also showed that a new-build stadium at Old Trafford is the preference for the majority of fans who responded.
In fact, 52 per cent declared support for that option.
Redevelopment of the existing stadium was preferred by 31 per cent, with a further 17 per cent unsure.
Focus groups were also established and open days held at Old Trafford to inform the work of the Task Force.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester Burnham said he plans to set up a new body to help drive forward the project before the stadium decision.
Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester this would ensure space around Old Trafford could be cleared to “maximise the club’s options”.
“It’s all about removing the freight terminals, and the freight that comes through Manchester city centre right behind Old Trafford.
“It’s not going to be just United supporters, every rail passengers in the north west will benefit from removal of that freight from our city centre.”
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