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Manchester United wants the Government to fully support its development plans for the new Old Trafford stadium and ensure that the project delivers wider regional regeneration.
Chief Operating Officer Colette Roche Talking about the economic and cultural benefits that can be achieved as part of the club’s plans.
United have ambitious designs beyond the ground, but first need to acquire a piece of privately owned land near the Stretford End – something that could eventually attract political intervention through a compulsory purchase order.
Speaking to the We Built This City podcast, Roche said: “It’s not just a vision for Manchester United. It’s a vision for the region. It’s a vision for Trafford and it’s a vision for Manchester, and that’s why andy burnham ,mayor Greater Manchester) and Trafford Council are really looking forward to working with us.
“There is no point building the best and biggest stadium in the UK and having it on an island you can’t get to because the transport links aren’t there, or people can’t come on non-match days or local businesses can’t be part of it.
“Therefore our request to the government is not to support stadium construction but to support infrastructure and upliftment of the sector.
“And when we’ve looked at it really closely, it really ticks a lot of boxes for the government around their growth strategy. So it’s very easy for us to use this as a catalyst to help deliver government plans.”
He added: “This is the beginning of the journey, but it’s an amazing opportunity that we’ve got, not just for Manchester United, but for this region.
“While we will create a stadium that will be great for our team, the club and our fans, it is so much more than that.
“This has become a regional project and will probably be one of the largest EuropeSo, it is bigger than us at Manchester United. Therefore, we need to seek support and work with many stakeholders in Manchester and central government.