The world-renowned Olympian and businessman Lord Sebastian Coe has been appointed as chair designate of the body leading the ‘once in a lifetime’ regeneration of the area surrounding Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
The project, one of the biggest sports led regeneration schemes that Britain has ever seen, is set to create thousands of jobs and homes and provide a multi-billion-pound economic boost to the region.
Lord Coe, who won four Olympic medals and headed the successful bid and delivery for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has been named by Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, as chair designate of the proposed Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) which will help drive forward the Old Trafford regeneration project.
Speaking tonight by video at the launch of the Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS), Lord Coe, said:
“I’m delighted that I’ve been asked to be the chair designate of the proposed Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation.
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen the difference that sports-led regeneration can make in fostering strong communities and acting as a catalyst for economic growth. That was certainly true of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics – and now, I believe, Greater Manchester’s moment has come.
“Working with Trafford Council and the Mayor, there’s huge potential to bring new homes and jobs to the area around the Manchester United stadium. And looking ahead, I see a chance to bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup to a new Old Trafford Stadium in 2035. The home nations are the sole bidder, which presents a rare opportunity to bid to host the global football family.”
Lord Coe continued:
“But this is about so much more than just a stadium. It’s about listening to and working with residents to create a vibrant, inclusive district, with high‑quality housing, green spaces, world‑class leisure and education facilities, and improved transport links.
“Twenty years on from securing the Olympic and Paralympic Games for this country, I’m ready to help deliver a vision of equal scale and ambition. I can’t wait to get started!”
The regeneration proposals could create around 48,000 new jobs in the borough and add £4.2bn to the local economy. They include the building of a new Manchester United stadium and will benefit all sectors of the economy, with the potential for around 15,000 new homes once the wider regeneration has been completed
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said:
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform Old Trafford and the surrounding area, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and much needed new homes.
“I am delighted that Lord Coe has been selected to be chair designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation. His achievements in heading the successful bid and delivery of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games combined with his extensive business experience will be of major importance to the project.”
“The Council looks forward to working together with Lord Coe, the Mayor, Manchester United and local residents to deliver our collective ambitions for the area.”
