Sir Norman Foster is commissioned to develop a masterplan for Old Trafford and the club-owned land surrounding the stadium.
Manchester United confirmed last month’s exclusive report from Mail Sport that Fosters + Partners will be appointed to carry out the plan, which could see them tasked with designing a new Old Trafford.
Foster is one of the most famous British architects in recent history. The 89-year-old, multi-award-winning architect was responsible for the new Wembley and the renovation of the German Reichstag.
United are expected to make a decision later this year on whether to rebuild or renovate, with the former option expected to cost at least £2 billion.
Lord Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, told the club’s official website: ‘As a proud Mancunian, I am excited by the opportunity to build on Manchester’s impressive 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 fuelled by a world-class stadium for the most famous football team in the world – Manchester United.’
Manchester United have confirmed to an exclusive Mail Sport report that a world-renowned architectural studio will be appointed to develop a masterplan for Old Trafford
Famed architect Sir Norman Foster could be commissioned to design a new Old Trafford
INEOS chief executive Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a new stadium to be built on the site of the current one, although a decision on whether the stadium should be rebuilt or renovated is expected later this year.
Foster is from nearby Reddish, grew up in Levenshulme – minutes from Old Trafford – and describes himself as a ‘proud Mancunian’.
The 89-year-old is also a close friend of Ratcliffe, and his expertise in connecting projects to surrounding areas and transforming urban areas was also seen as a deal sealer.
United wants a new stadium to be the anchor point for a major development linking the site to MediaCity, via the Manchester Ship Canal, and Old Trafford cricket ground, on the other side of Sir Matt Busby Way.
As originally reported by Mail Sport, Foster could be hired to design a state-of-the-art 100,000 capacity stadium, or renovate their current home ground.
It was thought that Populous, who has designed a number of major sporting landmarks around the world – including Tottenham’s new stadium, and both Wembley and the Lusail World Cup stadium in Qatar in partnership with Foster – would get the job.
They have already drawn up initial plans as part of a feasibility process that the Glazers started in 2022.
However, earlier this year it was revealed that Foster + Partner had been commissioned to oversee the £50m refurbishment of United’s Carrington training complex.
Collette Roche, Manchester United’s chief operating officer, said: “We have a clear vision to transform and revitalise the club’s Old Trafford site and we know Foster + Partners is the best partner to help us develop the plans.
‘This is an area of Greater Manchester that is ready for major new investment to help it thrive again, and we are determined to help make that happen.
Foster previously oversaw the renovation of Berlin’s iconic Reichstag building
Foster previously also led the design of the new Wembley Stadium where England plays its national matches
‘We want this area to become a true destination, not only delivering an unrivalled matchday experience for our fans, but also supporting 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.’
Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that Manchester United are set to abandon plans to keep Old Trafford if they build a new £2billion super stadium next door.
This means that United’s 114-year-old stadium will be razed to the ground if they decide not to redevelop the stadium and instead opt for their preferred option: a 100,000-seater Wembley of the North.
United announced plans in the summer to reduce Old Trafford to a capacity of around 30,000 spectators, in a bid to preserve the club’s history and create a venue for the women’s and youth teams.
Sources have told Mail Sport they now realise it is unlikely to work, with what is effectively a separate stadium project being too complex and costing hundreds of millions of pounds.
Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that United are set to abandon plans to keep Old Trafford open if they decide to build a new £2bn, 100,000-capacity super stadium next door.
Old Trafford holds great sentimental value for United fans worldwide. The Munich Clock and tunnel are a memorial to the 1958 plane crash. There are also statues of Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson, Jimmy Murphy and the United Trinity of Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law.
United are to set up a heritage focus group to ensure Old Trafford’s historic features are preserved if the stadium is to be demolished.
Foster + Partners must find a way to integrate these elements into the design so that a brand new stadium does not become soulless.
United confirmed the news surrounding Foster + Partners in a statement on their website: ‘The focus is on designing a world-class football destination and a home for Manchester United fans, linked to a wider masterplan of mixed-use developments that benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase employment and make it a vibrant destination.’
