Burnham Threatens Land Seizure for Old Trafford Megaproject

Mayor Ready to Use Compulsory Purchase Powers if Talks Stall

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has signaled his readiness to employ compulsory purchase orders to secure land crucial for a transformative redevelopment of Old Trafford. The ambitious plans for Manchester United’s stadium hinge on acquiring adjacent land currently valued at £400 million by its owners, Freightliner.

Land Assembly Sparks Mayor’s Intervention

Discussions regarding the land acquisition are ongoing, but **Burnham** confirmed his administration possesses the authority to utilize compulsory purchase powers should an agreement prove elusive. He revealed that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has already sanctioned the establishment of a mayoral development corporation (MDC).

“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.”

—Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

This body is tasked with managing a comprehensive masterplan for the locale, aiming to ease the complex process of land assembly. **Burnham** emphasized that significant progress is anticipated as the MDC becomes fully operational in the autumn.

Massive Economic Boost Promised

Manchester United projects that the comprehensive redevelopment will generate a substantial 92,000 jobs. The vision includes constructing 17,000 new homes and attracting an additional 1.8 million visitors annually. The club estimates the project’s annual contribution to the UK economy could reach £7.3 billion.

Freightliner Open to Relocation

Freightliner has indicated a willingness to relocate its operations to ILP North, a new depot situated approximately 17 miles away on the border of Warrington, St Helens, and Wigan. This suggests a potential avenue for resolving the land valuation dispute, although the current significant gap remains a hurdle.

Urban Regeneration on the Horizon

The proposed development aligns with broader urban regeneration goals, aiming to revitalise the surrounding area. Similar large-scale stadium redevelopments, such as the transformation of Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium in London, have also involved complex land assembly and significant public-private sector collaboration, creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth (Source: Deloitte, 2023).