Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham has been heavily involved in the plans to build a new 100,000-seater stadium.
When Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe floated the idea of building a new stadium for Manchester United, Andy Burnham was included in the task force created to assess options.
It was back in March that United revealed concept images of a 100,000-seater stadium, but construction is yet to begin as the club are finalising a land purchase around Old Trafford.
Burnham sent a message to United fans last year suggesting a new stadium would be the “single most significant football location in the world”.
Man Utd’s new stadium plans, what we know right now
- Set to be complete by 2030/31 season
- Expected cost around £2 billion
- Old Trafford set to be demolished
- Expected to create 92,000 new jobs, 17,000 new homes and drive 1.8 million visitors annually
- Capacity of 100,000 with steepest stands allowable in UK (35 degree angle)
- Munich clock and other iconic club landmarks set to be included in new design
The new stadium is set to be the centre-piece of a regeneration project in Manchester, and Burnham has now sent a request to the government to help get the ball rolling.
Andy Burnham makes government request for Man Utd stadium
Ratcliffe has worked closely with Burnham to help create this exciting stadium project, and both will be eager to get started given the optimistic five-year deadline.
Speaking on The Added Time podcast, Burnham spoke about his role in the project and revealed his message to Parliament.
“I am closely involved to the point where we’ve just asked parliament to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation. So that is a vehicle, a legal entity, that will oversee the wider regeneration of the whole area.
“That is more my responsibility, the wider environment around any new stadium. It’s a huge opportunity for us as a city and a region. If you think about that area, it’s the area around the old Salford docks.
“You’ve got Media City on the other side. This could be a global location if we get it right. I know people here kind of struggle to see why it impacts life on this end of the M62 (in Liverpool), but actually there are freight terminals behind the existing Old Trafford that send lots of trains through Manchester city centre. That is a major cause of the chaos on railways across the north because it causes blockages in Manchester.
“Therefore, every train coming across the country is often then late getting over to Liverpool. So it’s a project that actually makes sense on loads of levels.
“It’s a major growth project for the whole of the Northwest. And the enticing prospect in my mind is if we really get it moving, I think there’s a fairly high likelihood that we will be hosting the women’s FIFA World Cup in 2035. Imagine a final at that New Trafford, new Old Trafford. It would be quite something.”
Man United stadium work could begin this year
When the stadium project was announced, Ineos wanted work on the stadium to begin in 2025, but a few hurdles have emerged.
Currently, Ineos are trying to finalise a land purchase which would then allow the club to request planning permission and ultimately start construction.
READ MORE: Abandoned 90,000-seater project inspired Man United’s £2bn stadium design
Lead architect Norman Foster explained that United can use the Manchester canal system to cut down transportation and fast-track the build.
Ideally, Ineos want the stadium complete and ready for the 2030/31 season. Old Trafford will continue to be used during construction until the team can move into the new venue.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
