Claim Manchester United’s Old Trafford regeneration project could inject £7.3bn into UK economy

Manchester United’s plans to regenerate Trafford Park, including the potential construction of a new 100,000-seater stadium, could inject £7.3billion ($9.7bn) per year into the UK economy, according to claims in a report by Oxford Economics.

A study commissioned by the regeneration’s task force claims the development’s potential benefits include the creation of 92,000 jobs, more than 17,000 new homes, and an additional 1.8million visitors each year.

Manchester United say the findings a based on “a range of potential development opportunities in the Old Trafford area, including a 100,000-seater world-class stadium”.

United assembled a task force earlier in April to explore options regarding the future of Old Trafford, including either redeveloping the existing structure or building a new stadium entirely.

Architectural firm Foster and Partners have been appointed as the lead masterplanner for the surrounding stadium district, focusing on how best to utilise the land for sustainable growth and community benefit. However, the club say the design of the stadium itself will be decided in a separate process once the final recommendations from the task force are delivered later this year.

The Athletic reported earlier this month that the Old Trafford task force is to deliver its recommendation for the future of United’s stadium by the end of December.

In an internal document seen by The Athletic, a deadline of December 31 has been set to deliver a report outlining the task force’s final recommendations for the project. United will then decide how to proceed.

United are realistic that public funding for the stadium project is unlikely, but they are exploring a public-private partnership to support transport and infrastructure developments around the site to help unlock the stadium’s full potential.

Last week, United launched a survey for season ticket holders, members, and executive club members to ask for their views on the future of Old Trafford and the regeneration of the Trafford Wharfside area.

(Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)