Manchester United has entered a strategic partnership with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to maximise growth and regeneration opportunities in the Trafford Wharfside area.
The advisory team, led by an independent director, will support work to transform the area around Old Trafford, with a focus on bringing social and economic benefits for the city region with a world-class stadium.
The team will ensure the work aligns with that of the existing Wharfside masterplanning process and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, a group of local leaders and national experts set up in March to explore options for a new or redeveloped stadium.
Lord Coe, Chair of the Task Force, said: “The objective of this once-in-a-generation project is not only the development of a world-class stadium for the north of England, but also to ensure that this brings broad social and economic benefits to the local area and surrounding region.
“There is a huge opportunity to connect Trafford Wharfside regeneration with the ongoing growth of neighbouring Media City in Salford, and Greater Manchester’s Western Gateway and Central Growth Cluster plans, to create a project of national significance. The tripartite advisory team will help fully unlock this incredibly exciting potential.”
The regeneration plans include bringing up to 5000 new homes to Trafford Wharfside and creating better connections to Salford and Manchester city centre.
With thousands of visitors coming to Old Trafford every year, it is hoped that the regenerated area will attract new business investment.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Greater Manchester has a strong claim to be the biggest footballing city-region on the planet. Few places come close to matching our heritage and the global impact of our clubs and our culture. The future of Old Trafford is the next chapter of that story, and we have a chance now to make sure it’s written properly.
“With this new partnership we have the expertise, the vision, and the passion to drive forward the regeneration of the Trafford Wharfside area, and deliver real benefits for the community, the fans, and for the economy across the North.”
In February, United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe announced a plan to invest £2bn into an eight-year long renovation of Old Trafford, with the ambition of turning the stadium into the ‘Wembley of the North’.
The stadium has been Manchester United’s home since 1910.
Image credit: HonorTheKing
Peter Johnson - Journalism 
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