Manchester United are confident of completing a deal to purchase land around Old Trafford, a move that could unlock their plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe first outlined his vision for a ‘Wembley of the North’, aiming to make United’s new home the largest in the country, surpassing Wembley’s 90,000 capacity.
[The Daily Mail reports] the club have offered £50m to acquire a vital plot of land near the Stretford End, currently owned by Freightliner. However, the company is said to be demanding around £400m.
United believe the government could step in to set a fair price through a compulsory purchase order, though talks with Freightliner are described as “constructive,” with confidence that a deal could be reached within months.
If successful, the purchase will clear the path for the £2bn stadium project, with futuristic designs by Lord Norman Foster already presented earlier this year. The new Old Trafford would feature an enormous canopy and form part of a redevelopment area including 17,000 homes.
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has expressed his support, saying on BBC Radio Manchester that a mayoral development corporation will oversee the masterplan. “There’s plenty that can be done if an agreement cannot be reached,” he said, adding that progress will accelerate in the autumn.
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