Coronation Street bosses have expressed excitement over the new £2 billion Manchester United stadium being built adjacent to the ITV soap's set, despite potential filming disruptions. The proposed 100,000-seater stadium, unveiled yesterday, is located just a stone's throw from the iconic Weatherfield cobbles.
Minimal Impact on Filming Expected
A Coronation Street spokeswoman confirmed that ITV had 'consulted closely' on the Trafford Regeneration Plan. 'As matches and events typically occur on evenings and weekends, we expect operational impact to be minimal and we will schedule filming around any 'wildcard' events, just as we do now,' she explained. 'We welcome this regeneration and are excited to see two iconic British landmarks so close to each other.'
Coronation Street currently airs five half-hour episodes per week, filmed at pace with little rehearsal, approximately eight weeks before broadcast.
New Stadium Details and Economic Impact
Manchester United's proposed new home will sit at the heart of a new Stadium District, approximately 350 metres north-west of the existing Old Trafford stadium. It is designed for sport, entertainment, and year-round activity, serving as the flagship landmark of the wider Trafford Wharfside development. The area will also benefit from new and improved public transport links, as well as new walking and cycling infrastructure.
Collete Roche, CEO of New Stadium Development at Manchester United, announced that the project is expected to create 48,000 local jobs and 15,000 new homes, with a potential £7.3 billion-per-annum boost to the UK economy. 'The publication of the Wharfside Masterplan marks another significant milestone in our journey to create a new world-class home for Manchester United at the heart of a vibrant and transformational district for Trafford and Greater Manchester,' she said. 'Together with our partners, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a destination that creates lasting benefits for supporters, local communities and the wider region for decades to come.'
Fans Dismayed by Name Change
However, fans were dismayed that the stadium will no longer be called Old Trafford; the new name has yet to be revealed. Roche noted that the location alongside Old Trafford will enable the club to 'preserve the heritage, traditions and matchday rituals that are so important to our supporters, while also providing the connectivity and infrastructure required to deliver a truly world-class fan experience.'
