A consortium has been selected to spearhead the multi-million pound regeneration of Old Trafford, which includes plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium for Manchester United. The project will be led by architects Allies and Morrison, who are set to advance Trafford council's plan to rejuvenate Trafford Wharfside with thousands of new homes.
The Old Trafford masterplan will primarily focus on the neighbouring area, particularly the waterfront opposite MediaCity º£½ÇÊÓƵ. The proposed regeneration could potentially create around 48,000 new jobs in the borough, contribute £4.2bn to the local economy and deliver over 10,000 homes throughout the project's lifespan.
Town hall chiefs have highlighted that the site, near Manchester city centre and well-connected by public transport, presents a 'tremendous opportunity' for future growth, development, and commercial and leisure facilities. The consortium, which also comprises SLA landscape, civic engineers and property specialists JLL, was chosen following an intensive tender process.
They will collaborate with Trafford council, Manchester United Football Club, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), a proposed Mayoral Development Corporation and other key partners to transform the area into a sustainable international destination that benefits residents, businesses and visitors. The masterplan is expected to be finalised early next year.
Coun Liz Patel, Trafford council's executive member for economy and regeneration, expressed enthusiasm about the Old Trafford Regeneration project, stating: "The Old Trafford Regeneration is one of the biggest growth opportunities in the country and will be fantastic for our borough. New homes, new neighbourhoods, new businesses, new jobs, new green spaces and new community facilities – all within walking distance of public transport.
"A lot of publicity has been about Manchester United's new stadium – this regeneration will complement those plans, and our master plan will be central to shaping the future of this area.
"We are delighted to be starting the master planning in earnest and look forward to working with the project team to deliver a comprehensive vision for the neighbourhood."
Paul Eaton, partner at Allies and Morrison, said: "Trafford Wharfside has been recognised for some time as a focus for regeneration in the city, with the potential to become a thriving new neighbourhood.
"Our team will shape a proposal for the area that realises this exciting potential; a sustainable, deliverable vision that integrates new homes and employment with sport, supporting Trafford's aspirations and ambitions for the future.
"This is a huge opportunity for Trafford, for the city and for our Manchester studio. We are delighted with this appointment and look forward to working with the Council and its partners."
