Foster + Partners To Lead Planning On Old Trafford Development

An aerial view of Manchester United's stadium and surrounding land World‑renowned global architecture studio, Foster + Partners, is set to be appointed by Manchester United to develop a masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District, covering the Club‑owned land that surrounds the existing stadium.

The focus will be to design a world‑class football destination and home for Manchester United fans, coupled with a wider masterplan comprising mixed‑use developments which will benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase job provision, and make it a vibrant destination for visitors from Manchester, the UK and all around the world.

The exercise will include substantial engagement with fans, community members, local authorities and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, whose feedback and insights will be incorporated into the masterplan design.

The stadium itself will not form part of this exercise – its design will begin once the club has decided on the development options. However, a world‑class stadium will ultimately sit at the heart of this ambitious new masterplan, acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration.

Foster + Partners will also provide best‑in‑class recommendations on how the Stadium District masterplan can best complement and align with the existing Trafford Wharfside masterplan and the objectives of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for the city region.

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Lord Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “As a proud Mancunian, I am passionate about the chance to rebuild on Manchester’s great industrial heritage, creating a vibrant new mixed‑use community, served by highly sustainable and improved transport links, providing homes and jobs for the local community, all catalysed by a world‑class stadium for the world’s most famous football team - Manchester United.”

Collette Roche, Manchester United Chief Operating Officer, said: “We have a clear vision to transform and revitalise the club‑owned land around Old Trafford and we know that Foster + Partners is the best partner to help us develop the plans. This is an area of Greater Manchester ready for major new investment so that it can thrive once more, and we are determined to help deliver those outcomes.

“We want this area to become a true destination, that not only provides an unbeatable matchday experience for our fans, but also supports other forms of entertainment, leisure, business and residential facilities surrounding a world‑class stadium. Lord Foster has unrivalled experience in delivering projects of this scale and ambition.”