In March, Manchester United unveiled grand plans for building a state-of-the-art 100,000 stadium at an event in London, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe said the project could be completed by 2030.
club sources said the project was going well over the past few months and the feasibility study of land consolidation and financing continued, which would determine the speed at which the project would be advanced, but Manchester United still plans to realize this vision within the initially set timeframe.
The news comes as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced a 10-year regional growth plan. The Old Trafford reconstruction project is part of the growth plan, and Lord Sebastian Coe was appointed as the designated chairman of the Mayor's Development Company to oversee the project.
Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada responded: "This is an exciting decade for the region and we warmly welcome the inclusion of the Old Trafford reconstruction project at the heart of Greater Manchester's strategy. We are also pleased that Lord Sebastian Coe was appointed as the designated chairman of the Mayor's Development Company, which will bring continuity and great positive significance to the entire project. In addition, Lord Coe's proven leadership and successful experience in promoting transformative projects will It is of immeasurable value for our joint efforts to achieve the collective vision. In March this year, we announced our ambition to build a new stadium and we have been advancing these plans ever since. Today’s statement is an important step in our shared vision, revitalizing the area where the city requires investment to flourish again. “
Manchester United acknowledged that the club itself alone cannot achieve the grand vision of Old Trafford, and that they have been working closely with the central government, local governments and the Trafford Parliament.
It is reported that the club and the city area have also reached an agreement to bring important events (including the finals) to the stadium during the 2035 Women's Football World Cup, because the reconstruction work in the area will be basically completed by then.
Foster Architects will be responsible for designing the new stadium with a capacity of 100,000 people.