New Old Trafford Stadium

If only, then already

Foster + Partners

The architecture firm Foster + Partners has presented a master plan for the New Old Trafford Stadium District, the centerpiece of which is a new stadium for Manchester United. The concept envisages a comprehensive mix of sport, housing and leisure, with the stadium being the driving force behind the urban renewal.

The client is Manchester United FC.

MUFC

Manchester United Football Club was founded in 1878, is the English record champion with 20 league titles, has won every European club title and is one of the most popular clubs in the world. MUFC has been at home at Old Trafford stadium since 1910.

In recent years, however, the club has only enjoyed moderate sporting success and is currently languishing in the lower midfield of the Premier League. Although the stadium is a cult site for the fans, it no longer meets today's commercial requirements despite numerous modernizations and expansions.

Perhaps this development was one more reason for the club's owners to renovate the entire district with the new stadium.

Plaza of dreams

Old Trafford was called the "theater of dreams" because it was a secluded space outside of the everyday life outside - a world of its own.

The design for the New Old Trafford Stadium now breaks with such traditional stadium concepts: instead of a closed arena, an open, inviting design is proposed that opens up to the surrounding area. Circumferential "balconies" offer views into the new district and make the stadium an integral part of the city.

The new Stasdion offers space for 100,000 spectators. It is spanned by an extensive roof that collects energy and rainwater and at the same time protects a huge public plaza. This plaza is to become a meeting place, not just on match days. The aim is to create a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly stadium landscape that is easily accessible thanks to the expansion of public transportation.

The architectural concept picks up on the history of Manchester United and also aims to offer fans a sense of identification. Three striking masts, inspired by the club's trident emblem, support the roof and create a new silhouette in the Manchester skyline.

Theatre of dreams

The entire New Old Trafford Stadium district is part of a gigantic urban development project. It includes a network of public green spaces, roads, bridges and water features along the Manchester Ship Canal. The sustainable design provides for direct connections to existing city districts and transport networks. Renewable energies, rainwater harvesting and innovative construction methods are to play a central role.

There is not yet a timetable for the implementation of the project.