Manchester United Unveils Plans For New Stadium

Foster and Partners have big plans for Manchester United’s historic Old Trafford Stadium. In recently released images, the British-based design firm proposes transforming the stadium into a global cultural hub. The new stadium is set to house approximately 100,000 (compared to its current 74,000). This would also be 10,000 bigger than the U.K.’s biggest stadium, Wembley, which is home to England’s national soccer teams.

Though a start date has not been publicly announced yet, the new stadium is estimated to create 92,000 new jobs and £7.3 billion GPB (approximately $9.4 billion USD). The British government has voiced its approval for the project, though the overall construction timeline will depend on its level of involvement. Currently, Foster and Partners estimates the stadium will take five years to complete.

The announcement comes fresh off the heels of an incredibly turbulent United season, which culminated with a fan-led protest against the ownership’s increase in ticket prices and continued failure to take home the league title. Leadership hopes the stadium’s economic stimulus to the surrounding Old Trafford area will help improve fan team-fan relations.

“Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium. This new home will transform the fan experience while acting as a catalyst for lasting social and economic renewal,” said co-owner of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in a statement.

Stay tuned to Hypebeast for more updates on the stadium as they come.

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