Manchester United has hired the same architects that created Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to design the rebuilding of Old Trafford
Populous, an architectural firm, and Legends International, a management consulting organization, will collaborate to increase the stadium’s capacity.
Tottenham’s 63,000-seater stadium, which opened in 2019, was built by both corporations.
The current capacity of Old Trafford is 74,000.”Work will begin immediately on developing and analyzing possibilities for Old Trafford, with the goal of dramatically improving the fan experience,” the club stated in a statement on its website.
“Fans will be at the center of the process, beginning with a meeting later this month between the consultants and the Manchester United fans’ advisory board.”
Last month, it was reported that United was investigating a variety of redevelopment options, including the demolition of Old Trafford and the construction of a new stadium.
Over the last three decades, three sides of Old Trafford have been enlarged, but the South Stand has caused an issue due to its proximity to a railway line.
The club also wants to upgrade their training facilities, and has hired KSS, an engineering and design firm, to create ideas for a “expanded, state-of-the-art facility.”
Manchester United might continue to play at Old Trafford while a new stadium is constructed on adjacent land.
Manchester United’s owners, the Glazers, have plans to demolish and rebuild Old Trafford.
If Manchester United decides to demolish its renowned old ground, they may be able to play at Old Trafford while a new stadium is erected on nearby land.
The potential of demolishing Old Trafford and erecting a new stadium is one of the options under consideration by the club as part of ambitious renovation plans, according to Telegraph Sport.
Apart from the emotional and financial implications of such a choice, there is the issue of where United would play their home matches if Old Trafford, the club’s home for the past 112 years, were to be demolished.
Tottenham was allowed to play at Wembley for two seasons while their new stadium was being built, but United does not have a large enough neutral facility to serve as a temporary base in the North West.
However, it is understood that, because United owns big swaths of land around Old Trafford, the club could build a new stadium nearby and play at their current stadium in the meanwhile if they choose to pursue that option.
