WWW.ARCHITECTSJOURNAL.CO.UK
Man Utd delays decision on new stadium until next year
A decision on whether to refurbish and extend the existing ground, or demolish it and build the biggest stadium in the Premier League was due to be made before the end of this year, the AJ previously reported.However, Manchester United bosses will not make a final choice until next summer, The Telegraph reported yesterday (5 November). The newspaper said the club will wait for post-budget developments before deciding whether to build [a] new stadium.United has yet to name an architect for a new or refurbished stadium but it has been rumoured that Foster + Partners, which has the wider stadium district architect role, is also lined up to take on the ground redevelopment itself.AdvertisementInitial plans for the development of the area around Old Trafford were unwrapped in September alongside a fan consultation on the AJ100 practices early vision for a new stadium district. At the same time, images and video teased what a 100,000-seater stadium at the heart of the Fosters masterplan could look like.Manchester United said yesterday that a recent fan survey showed overwhelming support for a new ground to replace the Premier League side's 124-year-old stadium, with 90 per cent of supporters saying they were positive about regeneration.The club said it took on board the difference in opinion between younger and older season ticket holders, with the former favouring a refurbished Old Trafford and the latter preferring a new stadium at the centre of a redeveloped Old Trafford mixed-use neighbourhood and stadium district.A feasibility study conducted by the Old Trafford Task Force, an advisory group composed of local leaders and national experts, was reportedly presented to United bosses earlier this year, recommending an all-new ground with 100,000 seats.The taskforce includes London 2012 boss Sebastian Coe, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, and ex-United defender and property developer Gary Neville, who has spoken publicly in support of an all-new Old Trafford.AdvertisementThat could cost an estimated 2 billion, according to the report presented to United officials earlier this year. Refurbishment of Old Trafford would cost between 1 billion and 1.2 billion and reduce stadium capacity while work is underway.Based on initial feasibility plans drawn up by Populous, Fosters masterplan for the area around Manchester Uniteds main ground in the Salford Quays area aims to create a world-class football destination for fans as part of a wider vision which includes homes and workspaces which will benefit the local community.The stadium itself will not form part of the design work, which will only begin once the club has decided on the development options. However, the club said a stadium will ultimately sit at the heart of the proposals and help act as a catalyst for wider regeneration.Fosters founder Norman Foster previously said of the Old Trafford masterplan: As a proud Mancunian, Im passionate about building a vibrant sustainability community on the foundations of Manchesters industrial heritage.United revealed earlier this year that Fosters was leading a planned 50 million revampof the football clubs Carrington Training Complex.Old Trafford is the UKs second-largest football venue after Foster + Partners and Populouss Wembley Stadium.
0 Comments 0 Shares 29 Views