‘It is possible’ - Man Utd COO gives update on Old Trafford redevelopment plans

Manchester United’s Chief Operating Office, Collette Roche, has said it ‘is possible’ to redevelop Old Trafford but has admitted there are ‘significant challenges’.

The club have previously confirmed their aim to improve the stadium infrastructure and in April this year United stated they were putting together a ‘masterplan’ and working alongside Legends International and Populous to determine the ‘feasibility’ of various modernisation options for the ground.

And speaking in the latest Fans Forum, which was held on Friday 23 September, Roche said the plans are progressing well and initial findings suggest an upgrade to Old Trafford is possible. “As a reminder, we’re at early stages and the focus of this first phase has been on establishing what it will take to develop our existing stadium into a world-class facility,” she said.

“To define the associated requirements, we have undertaken a detailed stakeholderengagement exercise, including a comprehensive fan survey which generated around 30,000 responses, plus regular consultation with the FAB.

“We’ve also carried out detailed benchmarking exercises, demand analysis, and technical feasibility studies, leading to some initial high-level design work,” she added.

“Findings so far show that it is possible to redevelop Old Trafford to take it to the next level, but there are significant challenges in terms of complexity, timing, cost, and disruption, not least because of the inherent constraints around our site, including proximity to the adjacent railway line, canal, public access routes and housing. In short, it’s possible but not easy.

“Once we have landed on our preferred option, we will then be able to move to phase 2, which will comprise more detailed design work, further stakeholder engagement and detailed technical feasibility studies.”