Old Trafford Stadium District | Foster + Partners

In September 2024, Foster + Partners was appointed by the world’s most famous football club, Manchester United, to develop a masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District. The focus is to design a world-class football destination and home for Manchester United fans, coupled with a wider masterplan comprising mixed-use developments, which would benefit the local community, attract new residents, increase job provision, and make it a vibrant destination for visitors from Manchester, the UK and all around the world.

In addition to the masterplan, Foster + Partners has worked with Manchester United to produce some illustrative concepts for the new landmark stadium, which would sit at the heart of this ambitious masterplan, and act as a catalyst for regeneration. This will provide the basis for more detailed feasibility, consultation, design and planning work as the project enters a new phase.

Informed by the city’s incredible history, the sports-led regeneration project would transform the one-million square metre brownfield site into a thriving mixed-use district, with a network of green civic spaces, streets, bridges, and waterfront areas. Setting a new international benchmark for sustainable city developments, the project forges direct transport and pedestrian connections between new and existing communities – and the wider city – while harnessing opportunities for rainwater collection and renewable energy. The potential removal of freight trains from the West Coast Main Line would act as a catalyst for the project by increasing passenger numbers to Manchester Piccadilly and the north-west region, creating better rail connections with Liverpool, and freeing up land for the Old Trafford Stadium District.

Inverting the traditional model of football stadium design, the new stadium concept is open and outward facing with wraparound balconies that overlook the wider development. Located at the centre of the district, it would be a globally recognisable landmark, encapsulating Manchester United’s spirit and the city’s heritage. The stadium features three soaring masts, which take inspiration from the Red Devil’s trident emblem and reflect the verticality of Manchester’s industrial skyline. The masts support a translucent canopy that envelopes the stadium, wrapping around the stands and shielding a generous public plaza from rainfall.

The covered plaza features a range of interactive experiences for Manchester United’s fans and global visitors – and overlooks the city’s famous Bridgewater Canal that runs adjacent to the site. The practice’s design creates a processional route from a new train station to the plaza, which would serve as a welcoming focal point for fan gatherings and community events.

The 100,000-seater stadium bowl provides an unrivalled match day experience, increasing fans’ proximity to the pitch and creating an intimate atmosphere with outstanding acoustics. Modular offsite prefabrication and use of the Manchester Ship Canal would significantly increase the speed of construction.