Old Trafford Regeneration Project, Manchester United Gets Government Support

JAKARTA - Manchester United's plan to rebuild their headquarters at Old Trafford has been pushed after the British Government provided its support for the club's plans.

Britain's Finance Minister, Rachel Reeves, announced that she would fight for the project.

In a statement, he elaborated on the so-called "brave reform" of the state planning system issued by the Treasury Department on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

"The Minister of Finance also revealed today that he is fighting for a regeneration project around Old Trafford in Manchester that will see new housing, commercial space, and the public as a brilliant example of a bold development model."

"This will boost growth across the region, with authorities exploring the formation of a city-building corporate body to rebuild the area," the club said in a statement.

While Manchester United will be responsible for financing stadiums, government support helps clubs pursue wider development opportunities in surrounding areas.

Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada welcomed the Government's support for the project.

"The provision of world-class stadiums can be a catalyst for massive regeneration in the Greater Manchester area that requires new investment to develop again."

"We cannot achieve the broader goal itself. That is why we welcome the announcement by the Chancellor and continued support from Greater Mayor Manchester and the Trafford Council."

"If we work together, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create important projects around Old Trafford that the entire region can be proud of," Berrada said in a statement.

ESPN reported in August 2024 that Manchester United tends to build an arena with a capacity of 100,000 people rather than rebuilding existing stadiums, although a final decision has yet to be made.

Building a new stadium on the ground around Old Trafford is likely to last for six years and cost more than 2 billion pounds.

The new development is an option that one of the owners of Manchester United, Sir Jim Radcliffe, and the project task force, which includes Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former club captain Gary Neville.

Manchester United said the task force decided that the rebuilt stadium could increase Old Trafford's capacity to 87,000.

While the new stadium can accommodate 100,000 supporters. Manchester United said the two options were still under consideration and the club would decide on a preferred option before summer.