Manchester United's Old Trafford regeneration could boost economy by £7.3bn

A feasibility study commissioned by Manchester United indicates that a regeneration project around Old Trafford could significantly benefit the British economy, potentially adding £7.3 billion annually. The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has stated that no public funds will be allocated for this initiative. The club is weighing options between constructing a new 100,000-seat stadium or renovating the existing 74,000-seat venue. Burnham supports the redevelopment, envisioning a mixed-use neighborhood with residential, commercial, and transport facilities. The proposed project is expected to create approximately 92,000 new jobs and provide over 17,000 new homes, alongside attracting an additional 1.8 million visitors each year. Burnham described the initiative as potentially the largest regeneration scheme in the UK, aiming to enhance the local community's quality of life. The project is led by Jim Ratcliffe, a billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, who has recently acquired a minority stake in the club. Despite initial thoughts of seeking government support for the project, Ratcliffe has since ruled that out. The club has engaged the services of renowned architects Foster + Partners to develop the plans further. Fans are being encouraged to share their opinions on the redevelopment, with former captain Gary Neville advocating for supporter involvement in the process. This ambitious regeneration plan not only aims to modernize the stadium but also to revitalize the surrounding area, creating a vibrant community hub that benefits both the club and local residents.