The decision was due at the end of 2024
Manchester United’s Old Trafford redevelopment plan has hit a major stumbling block as a final decision on whether to demolish the stadium has been postponed.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had been in favour of knocking down Old Trafford to build a modern £2billion, 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’.
The iconic stadium has fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years with holes in the roof and crumbling concrete mocked by rival fans.
A task force was put together to consult on the Old Trafford regeneration which included Lord Sebastian Coe, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former United captain Gary Neville.
Everything has pointed towards United opting to build a brand-new stadium, with architects Populous – the company behind the hugely successful Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – tasked with designing the new build.
An official decision was expected before the end of the year but United have now pushed back that deadline until next summer.
It’s reported that one of the main reasons for the delay is the need to secure additional land around the stadium to deliver their ‘bold and brave’ vision.
The land next door, which is currently occupied by a rail freight terminal, would be needed if the club are to embark upon the ambitious 100-acre regeneration project.
The club are reportedly seeking clarity on their options. This could include relocating the freight terminal.
Burnham and Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram are hoping to strike a deal with Freightliner to move the freight depot to St Helens, which would free up space for the Old Trafford redevelopment.
The club would have to source its own funding for the work they wish to carry out, but they could benefit from public money for related transport and infrastructure costs.
They are hoping when the Mayor’s budget is announced in March there is money ring fenced for their project.
Despite the delay, a new stadium still appears to be the most likely outcome and according to a recent survey, it is the option fans find preferable.
A survey sent to 500,000 United supporters showed 52 per cent liked that idea, while 31 per cent would prefer a redeveloped Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe has taken inspiration from the £4bn, 70,000-capacity SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which has a ‘Hollywood Park’ area, a 6,000-seat concert venue, apartments and hotels around it.
In March, he said: “The north-west of England has a greater concentration of major football clubs than anywhere else in the world, yet we don’t have a stadium on the scale of Wembley, the Nou Camp or Bernabeu.
“We will not be able to change that on our own, which is why this task force is so important to help us seize this once-in-a-century opportunity.”
