Man United kicks off Old Trafford overhaul
The football club has appointed stadium consultant Legends International and architect Populous to head up a team charged with redeveloping the 74,000-capacity stadium.
“Work will begin immediately on developing options for Old Trafford and studying their feasibility, with the aim of significantly enhancing the fan experience,” a statement on Manchester United’s website said.
The last time a project to upgrade Old Trafford took place was in 2006 when the capacity was increased by 8,000 seats.
Populous led on the design of the Co-op Live arena in Eastlands, which is currently under construction.
Other projects the architect has been involved with include the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the new Wembley Stadium.
Legends International is a stadium consultant with offices in London and Liverpool. The company specialises in delivering holistic solutions for sports and entertainment organisations and venues and has worked with Manchester City and Real Madrid, among others.
The consultancies will “begin work on creating a masterplan for the redevelopment of Old Trafford”, the club said.
A meeting between the consultants and the Manchester United Fans’ Advisory Board will take place later this month.
This area needs more bulk, more activity, different uses and better connections to surrounding streets. Hopefully the surface car parking will be rationalised. Take inspiration from Hotel Football, Victoria Warehouse and Trafford Wharfside plans.
By Densify
I know it would be near impossible because of the railway line behind it, but I’m just curious to know if anyone has any idea what the capacity of Old Trafford would be should United add another tier to the Bobby Charlton stand to bring it up to the same level as the Stretford End and East Stand?
By 6 (soon to be 7) times
I think the best option would be to build a brand new state of the art stadium on the land next to Old Trafford and demolish Old Trafford, I appreciate there’s a lot of history but you need to look forward!
@6 (soon to be 7) times, I believe 95,000.
By MC
I honestly believe the club doesn’t have to build over the rail line behind the south stand.they need to do Is knockdown the building that’s behind the stand once that’s been cleared they can build an extension plus build extension’s to the two quadrant’s you’d hope that would bring an extra another 10,000 to the capacity
By Andy12861
I hope it gets flattened and something world class gets built in its place. Its an ugly, ugly stadium at present.
By harpisord
Build a new stadium on the adjacent land the club holds and then demolish the existing stadium.That would give opportunity for the construction of a new train station that would improve hugely transport links.
By Bob Jones
Could always play neutral home games at wembley like spurs did as most of their fanbase is in the south east 🙂
By UNESCO rep
Demolish and build an Aldi on it
By Therealist
So we looking at an increased capacity ,+10 000~20 000!.I think that’s good business. A new train/metro service & station are essential. Retractable roof would be good.Much better hospitality badly needed.Energy is a big issue nowadays so as many pv panels and as many turbines as is possible. Other stadiums have already accomplished this.A rebuild on every level needed.
By Robert Fuller
Build a new super stadium adjacent and keep Old Trafford. Take the capacity down in the old stadium and let the women’s and youth teams play there, and local school cup finals . We get to keep the history and get a new stadium.
By Steve