The economic feasibility study, which was commissioned by the English major club, was presented on Monday.
It deals with United’s plans to rethink the area where Old Trafford is located. The club management is considering whether to invest in a brand new stadium with a capacity for 100,000 spectators. The price tag is estimated to land at well over NOK 20 billion.
The alternative is to rebuild the club’s existing home pitch. It currently has room for 74,000 spectators.
No public support
At the same time as the fresh feasibility study was presented on Monday, the mayor of the Greater Manchester region, Andy Burnham, stated that no public funds will be set aside for the project.
Burnham has previously supported the idea of rebuilding the current stadium facility, and seeing this in the context of housing blocks, shopping centers and new stations for public transport.
According to the consulting firm Oxford Economics, which has carried out the feasibility study for the United management, a renewal of the area around Old Trafford could generate 92,000 new jobs, more than 17,000 new homes and 1.8 million extra visitors per year.
– This could be the biggest renewal project I have ever seen in this country, says Mayor Burnham.
– We hope it will be the best football stadium in the world, and that it will bring benefits to the residents of the area, he adds.
Ratcliffe in the driver’s seat
The project is led by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who earlier this year bought a minority stake in Manchester United.
Previously, Ratcliffe has more than hinted that it may be relevant to apply for public funds to finance what he has called a Wembley in the north of England. However, that possibility now seems to be closed.
Last week, United engaged a world-renowned architectural firm to work on the ambitious plans.
Fans will also be asked for their views on the rebuild. Former United captain Gary Neville is part of a working group which has been named the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force.
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2024-09-26 14:04:31
