Manchester United fans will have a new place to eat, drink and enjoy entertainment after plans for a ‘family friendly’ supporter zone at the club’s Old Trafford grounds were signed off by Trafford Council.
The fenced-off area will be set up on what is currently disabled car parking next to the Stretford End of the stadium and will have room for 1,300 people.
What the fan zone will include
The club has said it would be an area for ‘all to enjoy’ with entertainment showcasing ‘local talent and club legends’. It is expected to feature two bars, a stage and a retail kiosk in shipping-style containers in club colours; three food trucks; and toilets.
A ‘stretch tent’ will cover part of the space, with tables and seating beneath it and spilling into the wider zone. The venue will only be in use on matchdays and for limited time before and after games.
Trafford Council believes the new space will give the area an economic boost.
Noise concerns and conditions
However, some concerns were raised by nearby residents. Fears largely related to noise from the new zone, with litter and parking issues also raised. Objections to the plan included a petition with 56 signatures.
Council planning officers acknowledged there was likely to be increased noise from the zone, but felt this would not be ‘excessive’ given the ‘general context of the matchday environment’.
They have, however, attached a condition to the planning approval restricting louder live music to a two-hour maximum period on weekends and bank holidays only. Hours for these noise levels are also restricted to between 11am and 8.30pm.
Wider hours of operation should be kept between 9am and 11pm, the council added. The club previously indicated it intends to ‘typically’ open the fan zone for three to four hours prior to kick off and for two hours post-match for daytime fixtures. Hours would be reduced for evening games, the club added.
Temporary approval and security measures
Officers have also said their approval is on a temporary basis only, telling the club the site must be returned to its current condition after five years.
Entrance will be controlled, with designated queuing areas also proposed. The space is also expected to have a ‘no bag’ policy, with security on hand to carry out searches if required.
