Manchester United’s plans to redevelop their Old Trafford home have been boosted after the UK government threw its support behind the club’s plans.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced she would be “championing” the project in a statement outlining the “bold reform” of the country’s planning system issued by the Treasury yesterday.
“The Chancellor also revealed today that she is championing a regeneration project around Old Trafford in Manchester that will see new housing, commercial and public space as a shining example of the bold pro-development model that will drive growth across the region, with authorities exploring setting up a mayoral development corporation body to redevelop the area,” the statement said.
While United would be responsible for financing the stadium, the goverment’s backing helps the club pursue wider development opportunities in the surrounding area.
United CEO Omar Berrarda welcomed the goverment’s backing for the project.
“The delivery of a world-class stadium can be the catalyst for major regeneration of an area of Greater Manchester which requires new investment to thrive again,” Berrarda said in a statement.
“We cannot achieve that wider aim on our own, which is why we welcome the announcement by the Chancellor and the ongoing support of the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Trafford Council. If we work together, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a landmark project around Old Trafford that the whole region can be proud of.”
