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The timetable for Manchester United to make a final decision at Old Trafford has finally been revealed.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial 27.7% investment in United, there has been much debate about what to do with Old Trafford.
The two main options currently believed to be on the table are either the reconstruction of the iconic stadium as well as the surrounding area or the construction of a brand new pitch.
Ratcliffe has repeatedly stated that his desire is to build a new Theater of Dreams and in the process create a ‘Wembley of the North’ to rival the country’s national stadium. Such an undertaking would cost around £2 billion.
Back in March, United announced the creation of a task force chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe. The task force was given the responsibility to study the feasibility of regenerating Old Trafford and the surrounding land.
Other members of the task force include United legend Gary Neville, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Trafford Council chief executive Sara Todd.
Neville recently spoke to the club’s media and revealed that he would not oppose the construction of a new arena.
The 49-year-old explained that the history of Old Trafford and the emotional attachment of those associated with the Red Devils to it should not necessarily be the main reason for rejecting the option of a rebuild.
The Manchester Evening News has provided an update on the matter and announced when the decision-makers will make a final decision.
“Manchester United have set a year-end deadline for the Old Trafford taskforce to conclude its findings.”
“Initially, an external source indicated that the task force could conclude its findings at the end of the summer, but that time frame has been corrected by club sources.”
“It is understood that the Old Trafford task force is expected to publish its findings by the end of 2024 and once that is complete, the next steps of the project can begin. The task force committee, which has 14 members, aims to hold at least one meeting per month.”
“When a decision is made on the best course of action, whether to rebuild or rebuild, and when the implications for the regeneration project are considered, there will be a breakthrough.”
Steve Railston further notes that it has not yet been decided which architectural firm will be given the opportunity to take on the project.
Populous – the organization that worked on Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium – were tasked with determining the feasibility alternatives for Old Trafford and are hoping Ratcliffe will entrust them with transforming Old Trafford into a world-class arena.
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