Area around Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium could soon be transformed in huge masterplan

Bold new plans to transform and regenerate an area surrounding Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium have been unveiled by a council.

The proposals paint an exciting vision for the future of Trafford Wharfside as Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £1.3bn deal to buy a 25 per cent share of the Premier League giants, poised to be confirmed next week, appears to herald a huge period of change within the club and likely stadium redevelopment.

A masterplan outlines a new 'processional route' to the stadium, north along Sir Matt Busby Way, and a major new 'world-class public space' framing the whole of the stadium.

Try MEN Premium now for FREE... just click here to give it a go.

A new public park is planned for the sprawling plot of land and a new primary school could be built - with the waters of the Manchester Ship Canal providing a backdrop for a new community of homes, attractions, leisure and business.

The Wharfside area - covering around 200 acres - sits on the south bank of the ship canal opposite Salford Quays, with the football ground, the Imperial War Museum North and Victoria Warehouse all lying within its boundary.

Trafford council, in a draft masterplan set to be approved by councillors next week, calls it a major development and regeneration site due to its size and strategic position, citing its future residential and employment opportunities. Manchester United and neighbouring landowners including Peel have helped draft the proposals, together with Salford city council.

The masterplan places nature and wildlife 'at the heart of the vision'. Changes to the area must also 'celebrate' the waterfront - with the use of pontoons and piers referenced - and connect the Wharfside area to Manchester city centre.

"Ba