Revitalization of the Old Trafford neighborhood
and design of the new stadium,
project: Foster+Partners
In September 2024, British office Foster + Partners was selected by English soccer club Manchester United to develop a plan for the Old Trafford stadium district. The centerpiece of the concept is the new stadium, which is expected to become the largest soccer arena in the UK, offering 100,000 seats. Last week, the studio unveiled visualizations of the project, including both the stadium itself and the surrounding public space. The plans include parks, multi-purpose facilities, an open-air cinema and a modernized train station.
The new stadium is set to become the largest soccer arena in the UK
© Foster + Partners
Old Trafford: history and farewell
The history of Old Trafford stadium dates back to 1910, when an expensive development was built in Greater Manchester. During World War II, the building was bombed, but the reconstruction did not have to wait long. The last renovation took place in 2006. Less than 20 years later, Manchester United decided to make another expansion.
Manchester City's Old Trafford stadium district - the new stadium will be built near Old Trafford
© Foster + Partners
Norman Foster's innovative design
The new stadium will be built near Old Trafford, which , according to the BBC, will most likely be demolished once construction is complete. The design calls for an open structure with a lightweight, openwork roof. Norman Foster wanted the new Manchester United stadium to be an open space sheltered by a roof that collects solar energy and rainwater.
Norman Foster wanted the new Manchester United stadium to be an open space sheltered by a roof
© Foster + Partners
The roof, supported by three masts, refers to the trident from the club's coat of arms. The entire structure was designed with acoustics in mind, so that the sound of fans cheering would carry far beyond the stadium.
Quarter of the Old Trafford stadium in Greater Manchester - the roof supported by three masts refers to the trident from the club's coat of arms
© Foster + Partners
transformation of a post-industrial landscape
The surrounding area will be transformed into a mixed-use neighborhood with a network of green spaces, streets, bridges and waterfront areas, transforming the current post-industrial area. The stadium will become the focal point of the space, with a canopy protecting a large public plaza from rain that will offer interactive attractions for Manchester United fans and visitors.
The Old Trafford stadium district in Greater Manchester - the surrounding area will be transformed into a mixed-use district with a network of green spaces
© Foster + Partners
construction in five years: the prefabrication revolution
Thanks to prefabrication strategies, Foster + Partners estimates that the stadium will be built in five years instead of the anticipated ten. The structure will be composed of some 160 prefabricated modules that will be transported via the Manchester Ship Canal - a nod to the city's industrial heritage.
Normally the stadium would take 10 years to build, we have halved that time - to five years
- Norman Foster emphasizes.
The Old Trafford stadium district in Greater Manchester - the stadium will be built in five years
© Foster + Partners
The traditional stadium model is giving way to more integrated and multifunctional urban spaces. The goal of such developments is to transform stadiums into year-round centers of urban life that go beyond the sports function.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Foster + Partners studio.
