Manchester United confirms location for new stadium and plans for Trafford Wharfside redevelopment

Manchester United has confirmed the proposed location for its new 100,000-seater stadium, marking a major milestone in the long-term transformation of the Old Trafford area.

The reveal came as part of an ambitious masterplan for the sports-led regeneration of Trafford Wharfside, published by Trafford Council and supported by partners including the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (OTR MDC), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

United’s proposed new home will sit at the heart of a new Stadium District, approximately 350 metres north-west of the existing Old Trafford stadium.

Bosses say the Stadium District will be purpose-built for sport, entertainment and year-round activity, with the new stadium serving as the flagship landmark of the wider Trafford Wharfside development.

The masterplan for Trafford Wharfside also includes new and improved public transport links, enhanced rail connectivity, and extensive walking and cycling infrastructure. The vision is for a diverse, 150-hectare neighbourhood that will create 48,000 local jobs and 15,000 new homes. with the new stadium as the catalyst, the area is said to have the potential to offer a £7.3bn per annum boost to the UK economy.

Collette Roche, CEO, New Stadium Development at Manchester United, said: “The publication of the Wharfside Masterplan marks another significant milestone in our journey to create a new world-class home for Manchester United at the heart of a vibrant and transformational district for Trafford and Greater Manchester. Together with our partners, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a destination that creates lasting benefits for supporters, local communities and the wider region for decades to come.

“The proposed stadium site is ideally located alongside Old Trafford, enabling us to preserve the heritage, traditions and matchday rituals that are so important to our supporters, while also providing the connectivity and infrastructure required to deliver a truly world-class fan experience.

“We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not simply for them. Atmosphere, affordability and accessibility will remain at the heart of our plans, and we look forward to continuing our engagement with fans and other stakeholders as we move into the next phase of design and development.”

Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “We are delighted to introduce the masterplan which starts a long journey to piece together what could happen where, to bring this world-class cultural and sporting destination to life.

“We want to create a great place to be, not just on matchdays but every day – and we’re looking for as many residents and businesses as possible to help us to shape this vision, through our forthcoming consultation process.

“Wharfside will become a network of attractive neighbourhoods in which to live, work, wander, explore, relax with family, enjoy nature and wildlife, meet friends, eat out, have a drink, shop and be entertained.

“It will have the best of parks and waterside spaces, housing including affordable options in vibrant and diverse localities, new health and educational facilities, joined up public transport and places to walk, cycle and be active.”

All images are indicative and do not represent the final plans. A decision is yet to be made regarding the future of the existing Old Trafford stadium.