Manchester United is preparing for the biggest infrastructure project in its history – a new 100,000-seat stadium that will replace the aging Old Trafford. The concept comes from renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, designer of London’s “Gherkin” and Millennium Bridge, who calls it the most important project of his career.

“Manchester United is different”

The stadium is expected to cost around £2 billion and become the centerpiece of a wide-ranging regeneration of the area around Old Trafford. The plan includes new streets, squares, and neighborhoods connecting the stadium to Manchester city center, with three tall masts forming a distinctive roof over the stands. Prefabrication and use of the Manchester Ship Canal could reduce construction time from ten to five years, with completion targeted for 2030.

Although six months have passed since the project of New Trafford Stadium was unveiled, work has not yet started. The club is still negotiating the purchase of the necessary land – rumored to cost around £400 million – and only after securing it can preparatory works begin. Funding sources remain under discussion, including stadium naming rights and additional investment from club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Despite the lack of visible progress, Foster reassures fans in an interview with Sky News: The project is on track and the fan base is incredible. Manchester United is different, so its stadium will be different… and better, of course. The new arena will not only be the largest football stadium in the UK but also a symbol of Old Trafford’s revival and northern Manchester’s regeneration.

© Foster + Partners | Design of New Trafford Stadium

Important vote coming soon

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is set to vote this Friday on the creation of a mayoral development corporation (MDC), tasked with regenerating roughly 400 acres around United’s stadium. In public consultations, 78% of respondents supported the project. According to a report to be presented to GMCA, the initiative is a flagship investment for Greater Manchester and a unique opportunity to create one of Europe’s most significant regeneration projects, potentially boosting economic output and quality of life regionally and nationally.

The project includes a new 100,000-seat stadium for Manchester United to replace Old Trafford and the construction of 17,000 new homes within the MDC area. The masterplan is being developed by Allies and Morrison, known for revitalizing London’s King’s Cross. Oxford Economics estimates that the area around the old stadium could generate over £7 billion for the UK economy and £4.2 billion locally.

MDC, chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe, will play a key role in maximizing the project’s economic potential. The GMCA mayoral development corporation model is seen as an effective way to deliver large-scale regeneration projects. Currently, only Stockport has such a corporation, overseeing redevelopment of the town center and housing delivery, with similar MDCs planned for Middleton, Bolton, Ashton, Stalybridge, and Atom Valley, an advanced technology investment zone covering Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury.

© Foster + Partners | Design of New Trafford Stadium