Manchester United’s plan for a new 100,000-seater stadium has now received the backing of the local authority as well as the government, with officials describing the regeneration project as “transformational”.
On Saturday the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, offered her public
support, describing a state-of-the-art Old Trafford and the redevelopment of
the surrounding area as “a shining example” of the Labour government’s policy
for promoting economic growth.
Now the executive at Trafford council has given its
unanimous support, with officials revealing plans to appoint a “top-class
consultant team” to collaborate with the Premier League club and the
other relevant parties on the project.
In a meeting on Monday night, councillor Liz Patel, an
executive member for economy and regeneration at Trafford council, said: “I am
delighted these plans have been approved by the council executive. As the
report says, this is one of the most significant opportunities for urban renewal
in Trafford and the results will be great for the area and the surrounding
region.
While United will provide the funding for the stadium,
public officials are supporting the broader development because of the
anticipated multibillion-pound boost to the economy, the creation of 90,000
jobs and plans for 15,000 new homes in an area that has been neglected for
decades.
A final decision will be made at the end of the season but,
as The Times recently reported, United’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe,
wants to deliver a new £2billion stadium on an adjacent site rather than spend
more than half that amount extending the existing arena.
It would enable United to continue playing at Old Trafford
while enjoying the long-term economic benefits of a new facility with more
seating and more provision for hospitality.
Some United fans are, however, unhappy about mid-season
ticket price increases at Old Trafford.
The ire comes from a decision that was made last year that all tickets for
remaining matches this season would be sold at a flat rate of £66 per person,
with no concessions for pensioners or children.
In response to a letter sent by Fan Coalition 58, the
supporter representation arm of The 1958 group, United confirmed that the
club’s poor financial situation, having lost more than £300million in the past
three years, and the possibility of them not complying with Profitability and
Sustainability Rules had contributed to the price increase.
“We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall
— but we do need to look at ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the
right amount,” the reply from the club said.
In an open letter toJim Ratcliffe from Manchester United Supporters Trust
(MUST), it warned that if the fans turned on the ownership due to his decisions
it would further affect the mood at Old Trafford which could, they said, send
performances into a “catastrophic tailspin”.
“A price increase or significant ticketing policy changes
would land very badly with fans at this time. Negative sentiment comes with
financial costs, as discontent escalates into active protests and
disillusionment,” MUST wrote.
“This discontent could lead to outright rebellion, with
consequences not just for matchday revenues but also for sponsor relations and
the club’s global brand. Sponsors depend on a passionate and engaged fanbase.
Alienating supporters risks damaging these critical partnerships. Discontent
also reduces fans’ discretionary spend too. And the potential to poison the well
for stadium plans must be taken into consideration.”
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