Mayor Prepares Compulsory Powers for Man Utd Stadium Land Acquisition

**Mayor Prepares Compulsory Powers for Man Utd Stadium Land Acquisition**

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has stated he is prepared to employ compulsory purchase orders to acquire the necessary land for Manchester United's proposed major stadium redevelopment. The plan involves replacing the current Old Trafford stadium, which has a capacity of 74,310, with a new, larger venue capable of holding up to 100,000 spectators at a cost of £2 billion.

While Burnham has previously expressed strong support for the club's vision, acquiring the required adjacent land presents a challenge. Manchester United's owners, logistics firm Freightliner, have placed a significantly higher valuation on the land – estimated at £400 million – compared to the club's own assessment. Discussions regarding land acquisition are reportedly in their preliminary stages, but Burnham's office reserves the right to invoke compulsory powers if a voluntary agreement cannot be reached.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has already endorsed the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to manage the overall masterplan for the development area. However, Burnham acknowledged that substantial land assembly work lies ahead, particularly if private negotiations falter. The MDC is expected to take centre stage in autumn preparations.

Manchester United anticipates its project will deliver significant benefits beyond sport, including the creation of approximately 92,000 new jobs, the construction of 17,000 homes, and an additional 1.8 million annual visitors to the region. The club estimates the redevelopment will also contribute an extra £7.3 billion annually to the UK economy.

Freightliner, the current landowner, has reportedly considered relocating its operations to a new depot planned near the border of Warrington, St Helens, and Wigan, though no final decision has been made.
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