Manchester United’s plans to transform Old Trafford boosted as local council launches ‘masterplan’ to regenerate the area around the stadium

Manchester United’s plans to transform Old Trafford have taken a step forward after council bosses announced proposals to regenerate the area around the stadium.

Trafford Council has launched a “Trafford Wharfside masterplan” which it says offers a vision for the area “as a key emerging neighbourhood”.

The plans have been drawn up in partnership with Peel land owners United and cover an area which Mail Sport reported will form part of a vast regeneration project which could include a new 90,000-capacity Old Trafford.

While the proposals have been drawn up by the council, the move is a clear indication of the speed with which Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group want to move forward. His 25 per cent stake in the club will be officially approved next week.

A number of development sites have been identified as part of a vision which council bosses say will have “nature and landscape at the heart of its vision”. It stretches from Old Trafford to the Manchester Ship Canal and would link the area to the BBC headquarters in MediaCity, across the water.

The sites have been divided into different areas and Old Traddord forms part of a “stadium district”. Others include Trafford Wharf, Heritage Quarter, Innovation Quarter and Wharfside Heart.

Collette Roche, chief operating officer at United, said: “This vision for Trafford Wharfside is hugely exciting and we are proud to support Trafford Council with their ambitious plans for an area with such huge potential.”

“We will continue to work closely with the council and other local stakeholders on how any future development work at Old Trafford can complement their vision and, most importantly, benefit the local community.”