Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed strong support for Manchester United's ambitious plans to redevelop Old Trafford into a state-of-the-art £2bn, 100,000-seat stadium. This project, which could significantly boost the local economy, hinges on acquiring nearby land currently owned by Freightliner, valued at £400m—ten times the club's own valuation.

Burnham has indicated that while discussions are in their early stages, he is prepared to use compulsory purchase powers if necessary to facilitate the land sale. "The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has approved the establishment of a mayoral development corporation (MDC) to oversee a masterplan of the area to facilitate some of the land assembly," Burnham stated on BBC Radio Manchester.

The proposed redevelopment is not just about expanding the stadium's capacity; it aims to transform the entire area. Manchester United has projected that the project could create 92,000 new jobs, involve the construction of 17,000 homes, and attract an additional 1.8 million visitors annually. Economically, it is expected to contribute an additional £7.3bn per year to the UK economy.

Freightliner has shown openness to relocating its operations to ILP North, a new depot planned 17 miles away on the border of Warrington, St Helens, and Wigan. This move could be a crucial step in clearing the path for the stadium's expansion.

As the project moves forward, the MDC will play a pivotal role in coordinating the land assembly and ensuring that the redevelopment plans align with broader regional development goals. The real action is anticipated to commence in the autumn, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter for Old Trafford and its surrounding community.

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