Council unveils masterplan for stadium-led regeneration around Old Trafford

Trafford Council has unveiled a strategic masterplan for the regeneration of the Wharfside area surrounding Manchester United's proposed new stadium, setting out a long-term vision for one of the UK's largest mixed-use development programmes.

Prepared with architects Allies and Morrison alongside a multidisciplinary consultant team, the Trafford Wharfside Strategic Masterplan establishes a framework for transforming 150 hectares of land into a new neighbourhood combining homes, employment, transport infrastructure and public spaces.

The regeneration programme is being led by Trafford Council in partnership with the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (OTR MDC), Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester and Manchester United Football Club.

Rather than focusing solely on the proposed stadium, the masterplan positions the new sporting venue as the catalyst for a much broader programme of regeneration extending across the north-eastern edge of Trafford.

The plans outline the potential delivery of 15,000 new homes, 48,000 jobs and extensive commercial development, supported by upgraded public transport, improved rail connectivity and enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure.

According to the project team, the wider regeneration programme has the potential to contribute around £7.3 billion annually to the UK economy once fully developed.

The masterplan area stretches between Europa Way, the Manchester Ship Canal and the Manchester to Liverpool railway line, linking Trafford Park with Salford Quays and creating a new mixed-use district built around sport, employment and city living.

Alongside residential development, the proposals include new parks, waterside public spaces, health and education facilities, retail, leisure and cultural uses, with an emphasis on creating an active neighbourhood beyond matchdays.

Trafford Council says the framework is intended to guide development over the next decade and beyond, creating a connected urban district that integrates existing communities with new commercial and residential neighbourhoods.

The proposals will be considered by Trafford Council's Executive Committee later this month before entering a public consultation running from late July until September.

Council Leader Tom Ross said the masterplan represented the beginning of a long-term process to create a world-class sporting and cultural destination while delivering new homes, employment opportunities and public spaces for local communities.

Lord Sebastian Coe, Chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation, described the framework as an important milestone in transforming Old Trafford into a major destination for sport, business and residential development.

Paul Eaton, Partner at Allies and Morrison, said the masterplan would reconnect existing communities, businesses and sporting venues while creating what he described as "a new economic engine" for Greater Manchester.

The proposals reflect a growing regeneration model in which major sporting infrastructure acts as the catalyst for wider urban transformation. Rather than treating the stadium as a standalone destination, the Wharfside masterplan places it at the centre of a mixed-use district designed to support long-term economic growth through housing, employment, transport investment and public realm improvements.