Manchester United make new decision on Old Trafford rebuild

Manchester United have appointed Foster + Partners to assess the intended regeneration at Old Trafford.

The architecture studio will develop a masterplan for Old Trafford, covering the club-owned land that surrounds the existing stadium. Lord Foster is already involved with the £50million refurbishment of United's Carrington training complex.

The Manchester Evening News reported in July United are aiming to submit plans for a new 100,000 all-seater stadium by the end of the year. United have still not officially confirmed their plan to build a new £2bn stadium on the existing site.

READ MORE: United aiming to submit plans for new-build stadium by end of the year

READ MORE: What Ratcliffe said about rebuilding Old Trafford

The club are in the process of conducting substantial engagement with fans, community members, local authorities and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force before settling on the masterplan design.

Old Trafford will not form part of that exercise and its design will begin once the club has decided on the development options.

Lord Foster said: “As a proud Mancunian, I am passionate about the chance to rebuild on Manchester’s great industrial heritage, creating a vibrant new mixed-use community, served by highly sustainable and improved transport links, providing homes and jobs for the local community, all catalysed by a world-class stadium for the world’s most famous football team - Manchester United.”

Industry sources say United could encounter mounting costs for a new Old Trafford by using Foster + Partners as they are renowned for being expensive - particularly when Lord Foster is involved.

United hired stadium masterplanners Populous to explore the feasibility of a revamped or new-build