Manchester United's proposal to keep a temporary car park at their Carrington training facility for an additional three years has encountered opposition over a potential terror threat. The parking area was originally set up for contractors working on a £50 million renovation project at the complex.
Police and counter-terrorism review
As part of the standard review process, Greater Manchester Police assessed the site alongside counter-terrorism specialists due to the facility's high profile. Authorities subsequently told the local council that the location currently lacks secure pedestrian entry and exit points.
Police say they "implore the application to provide suitable secure pedestrian access," which would mean that every visitor to the site would be thoroughly vetted. Officials have also cautioned over the prospect of "bad actors" accessing the site among a group of pedestrians.
Community objection
In addition to the security recommendations, the local community group, Friends of Carrington Moss, filed a detailed objection to the extension. The group expressed frustration over the club's failure to consult local residents before filing the application.
They argued that prolonging the car park's operation promotes vehicle reliance and fails to align with sustainable environmental practices, noting a disconnect between the organisation's global reputation and its local ecological footprint. Branding United as "shameful," the group said, "the applicant repeatedly states throughout its documentation that Manchester United is a world-leading football club" but "is clearly not world-leading in sustainable operations."
Environmental concerns and timeline dispute
The group also states that the club removed two mature trees and "totally stripped" other vegetation. The community group also claimed that the parking facility was fully operational by March 2025, which conflicted with the August timeline outlined in the club's planning documents.
