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Manchester United are reportedly considering entrusting plans for the design of a new stadium to celebrated British architect Sir Norman Foster.
United have been exploring options for the future of Old Trafford ever since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial takeover earlier this year in February.
Ratcliffe is believed to be keen on United having their own “Wembley of the North” that could hold 100,000 fans.
It’s understood that a new stadium would cost the club an estimated £2bn. Another option under consideration is the refurbishment of the currently existing grounds but it appears that the construction of a new arena is seen as more ideal.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are expected to keep a scaled-down version of Old Trafford to be used by the women’s and academy teams if they build a brand new stadium.
A fresh update on Ratcliffe’s plans for the Theatre of Dreams has now been provided.
According to The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan, United could task Sir Norman Foster, one of the most famous British architects, with designing a new “state-of-the-art Old Trafford,”
“Mail Sport understands that the multi-award winning 89-year-old, who oversaw the new Wembley and the renovation of Germany’s Reichstag, may be brought in to draw up a state-of-the-art, 100,000-capacity venue for Manchester United – or a remodelling of their existing home.”
“It had been thought that Populous, who designed a host of major sporting landmarks across the globe – including Tottenham’s new home, and both Wembley and Qatar World Cup venue Lusail in collaboration with Foster – would get the job. They have already drawn up initial plans as part of a feasibility process launched by the Glazers in 2022.”
“However, there was a fascinating development earlier this year when it emerged that Foster + Partners, in which Foster retains a controlling interest, had been commissioned to oversee the £50m revamp of United’s Carrington training complex.”
Foster’s firm is understood to be in a “strong position to be commissioned” for the job. Foster, who hails from Reddish, which is minutes away from Old Trafford, describes himself as a “proud Mancunian.”
The Mail notes that the architect is a close friend of Ratcliffe. Combine this with his knowledge of connecting projects to surrounding areas and transforming urban areas and it could be a “deal sealer.”
Keegan adds, “United want any new stadium to be the anchor for a vast development, which links the venue with MediaCity, over the Manchester Ship Canal, and the Old Trafford cricket ground, on the other side of Sir Matt Busby Way.”
Having Foster design a new Old Trafford comes with a huge catch. The Mail note, “Industry insiders however, say one fly in the ointment may be the costs involved. They point out that Foster + Partners are one of the more pricier options and will not come cheap.”
It’s estimated that the company could change anything between 4%-10% of projected build costs.
United are expected to make a final decision on whether to build a new stadium or refurbish Old Trafford before the close of 2024.
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