The club Manchester United has declared the formation of a taskforce dedicated to regenerating Old Trafford. This group will investigate the construction of a modern stadium, as well as strategies for financing the project. The club acknowledges that it is not capable of taking on the project alone.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s largest individual shareholder, wants to construct a home for the club on the site where Old Trafford stands. Sebastian Coe will chair the taskforce, which has a remit to regenerate the area and seek strategic partnerships. Other members include Gary Neville, the former United captain, and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester.
Ratcliffe stated that the area of Greater Manchester has a significant role in British industrial history, but needs new investments to prosper. The north-west of England has numerous major football clubs, but lacks a stadium as large as Wembley, the Nou Camp, or Bernabéu. The taskforce is crucial in helping them capitalize on this rare opportunity.
Although United will not actively search for grants, they will consider a variety of options, such as public-private partnerships. Lord Coe, the president of World Athletics and chair of the organizing committee for the London 2012 Olympics, stated: “Throughout my career in sports, I have witnessed the potential for stadiums to serve as gathering points for strong communities and as drivers for social and economic advancement. This was certainly evident in the venues we constructed in east London for the 2012 Olympics, and it is time for a project of similar magnitude and ambition in the northern region of England. I am honored to have the opportunity to share my expertise in support of this incredibly exciting project.”
The group also involves members from the Must organization, including 30,000 supporters who have already been surveyed.
Neville expressed gratitude for having been able to play numerous games at Old Trafford. He recognizes that the stadium has undergone significant changes over time and it is now necessary to make further changes in order for Manchester United to have a top-notch stadium that suits the prestigious reputation of the club.
“My goal is to see Manchester United thrive, but I also desire the same for the local community. The Old Trafford stadium should evoke a sense of pride not just for those in Manchester, but for the entire Greater Manchester region. It should serve as a catalyst for sustainable and unified development in an area of the city that has been overlooked for too long.”
Duncan Drasdo, the chief executive of Must, expressed satisfaction in the importance placed on seeking input from fans, including their representation on the panel. He also finds it thrilling to see the vision and drive behind this undertaking.
Source: theguardian.com
