MANCHESTER UNITED hope to host the 2035 women’s World Cup final in a new 100,000-seat stadium – with the help of Lord Seb Coe.
United announced plans to rebuild Old Trafford in March and appointed two-time Olympic gold medal winner Coe to spearhead the operation.
Initially, Coe led the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force.
The group was set up to explore options for developing a new stadium and regenerating the surrounding area which also featured the Gary Neville.
But Coe will now be influential in the next stage of the project after being named as the Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the Old Trafford Regeneration project.
Coe will now play a key role in the next stage of the project as plans advance to deliver a new 100,000-seater stadium at Old Trafford that is estimated to cost a staggering £2billion.
He said in a statement: “I’m delighted that I’ve been asked to be the chair designate of the proposed Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation.
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen the difference that sports-led regeneration can make in fostering strong communities and acting as a catalyst for economic growth.
“That was certainly true of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics – and now, I believe, Greater Manchester’s moment has come.
“Working with Trafford Council and the Mayor, there’s huge potential to bring new homes and jobs to the area around the Manchester United stadium.
What we know about the ‘new’ Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.
The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.
A capacity of 100,000 is expected.
It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.
The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.
United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.
There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.
However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.
The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.
The target is for completion by 2030.
“And looking ahead, I see a chance to bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup to a new Old Trafford Stadium in 2035.
“The home nations are the sole bidder, which presents a rare opportunity to bid to host the global football family”.
As a runner, Coe won four Olympic medals over 800m and 1,500m but he retired in 1990 and later moved into politics.
He also played a major part in helping London win the right to host the 2012 Olympics serving as the chairman of the campaign’s committee.
Concept images of United’s proposed new stadium have been released via Lord Norman Foster, the award-winning architect.
United said they will look for public funding for infrastructure of the £2bn project – but will not look for money for the stadium build.
Coe’s appointment does need to be signed off by government – but that is viewed as a formality.
United are also set to appoint a head of senior recruitment, according to The Athletic.
This newly created role will oversee the club’s senior scouts and report to director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.
Read the full article here