Lord Sebastian Coe named chair-designate for Old Trafford Regeneration project

Lord Sebastian Coe has been given a leading role in delivering Manchester United’s new stadium.

Lord Coe, who chaired London’s 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid, has been appointed as chair-designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the Old Trafford Regeneration project.

The former IOC president previously chaired a task force set up by United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to look at stadium options for United amid a wider regeneration of the surrounding area.

He will now play a key part in the development of the 100,000-seater stadium, which Ratcliffe wants to be the ‘Wembley of the north’.

Coe’s appointment was announced at an event in Manchester city centre on Wednesday.

He said in a statement which appeared on Manchester United’s website: “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.

“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.”

United revealed a potential design for their new home and chief executive Omar Berrada says this is a big step forward.

“This is an exciting decade for the region, and we warmly welcome the inclusion of the Old Trafford Regeneration project at the heart of the Greater Manchester Strategy.

“We are also delighted by the appointment of Lord Coe as chair-designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation; the continuity it brings for the wider project will be a huge positive.

“In addition, Lord Coe’s proven leadership and track record in delivering transformational projects will be invaluable as we work together to turn our collective vision into reality.

“In March, we announced our ambition for a new stadium and since then we have been progressing those plans.

“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in our shared vision for the revival of this area of the city that requires investment to thrive again.”