Plans for a 'once-in-a-generation' regeneration of Old Trafford, including a proposed new 100,000-seat stadium, are being brought forward, but residents fear the project could be overshadowed by matchday anti-social behaviour.
Trafford council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Manchester United FC are collaborating on the ambitious Wharfside scheme, which could see 15,000 new homes built in the area. Commercial spaces, eateries, hotels and offices are also planned, with a new stadium to replace the Theatre of Dreams at the heart of the development.
Residents raise matchday concerns
A consultation on the plan received 105 responses from residents, businesses and community groups. Among the issues raised were matchday anti-social behaviour, littering, parking problems, traffic and road closures that stop residents accessing their homes.
One resident told the Manchester Evening News that matchdays were 'hellish' and 'mad', adding: "Every now and again we do get police rushing up and down the road and it's not nice to see. People have put gates across their property to make it so people don't pee down the side because there's no toilet at the ground so people just pee up things."
Local ward councillor for Gorse Hill, Dave Acton, raised the issue at the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) meeting, saying: "We need to be realistic sometimes. We have lots of alleyways in Gorse Hill whereby the fans, unfortunately, urinate in the alleyways and this needs to be addressed."
Mixed views on development
The concerns do not mean residents do not welcome the development. Town hall bosses said the response had been 'very much supportive' with a recognition that the area 'is ready for change'.
The consultation also flagged competing visions for the development. Some respondents believed more homes could fit into the area, while others wanted fewer high rises and more family homes. Conflicting opinions were also submitted on the council's approach to active travel over private vehicles, the inclusion of a large public park and proposals for a bridge link at Avondale Road.
Next steps for the masterplan
The MDC said it will use the responses to finalise the Wharfside regeneration masterplan, which is expected to be brought before Trafford council's cabinet early next year for approval. The MDC has promised to continue consulting with the community and stakeholders, with the next steps including seeking views from young people living in the area.
