Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has indicated he is willing to use compulsory purchase powers to secure land needed for Manchester United’s ambitious redevelopment of Old Trafford.
The Premier League giants are pursuing a £2 billion transformation, which would see the current 74,310-capacity stadium demolished and replaced with a 100,000-seat venue — making it one of the largest football stadiums in the world.
However, a key hurdle remains: nearby land owned by freight operator Freightliner. While Manchester United values the site at around £40 million, Freightliner’s price tag is reportedly closer to £400 million.
Burnham’s Position
Burnham has publicly backed United’s vision and confirmed the establishment of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to lead a masterplan for the wider area. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, he noted:
“The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has approved the MDC to facilitate land assembly. But there’s plenty that can be done if an agreement cannot be reached.”
He suggested serious negotiations would begin in the autumn, once the MDC is fully operational.
Project Scope and Economic Impact
According to Manchester United, the redevelopment could:
- Create 92,000 new jobs
- Deliver 17,000 new homes
- Attract an additional 1.8 million visitors annually
- Add £7.3 billion per year to the UK economy
Freightliner has indicated it is open to relocating to a new planned depot at ILP North, located on the border of Warrington, St Helens, and Wigan — approximately 17 miles from Old Trafford.
The Road Ahead
If a deal cannot be struck between Manchester United and Freightliner, Burnham’s willingness to step in could be a decisive factor in moving the project forward. The coming months will likely determine whether negotiations can deliver a voluntary agreement or whether compulsory purchase becomes the chosen route.
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IMAGE: Manchester United
