anchor
Image rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners
Image rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners
The long-awaited new home for England’s Manchester United football team has finally been unveiled by Foster + Partners. The 100,000-seat stadium, which superfan and the firm’s founder Norman Foster has been attached to since 2023, is to be constructed over five years with a reported pricetag north of $2.5 billion (£2 billion).
Image rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners
Saying it will be "one of the most exciting projects in the world today," Foster, who traces his beginnings to the suburbs of Manchester, announced the design as the anchor of a new walkable district for his fast-growing hometown.
Image rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners
As an investment into Manchester’s once-thriving industrial Old Trafford district, the project will include the rebuilt train station and emerge from a mixed-used “mini-city” with its mast-like roof canopy structure creating a new visual landmark against the city’s skyline.
Image rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners
Foster said they planned on using 160 prefabricated components in its construction and that their delivery would help to resurrect the Manchester Ship Canal.
Image rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners
Its tent-like, trident-inspired canopy shelters a public plaza area "twice the size" of London's Trafalgar Square. Once inside, fans will be emersed in a sea of red—with special acoustic capabilities built in such that their cheers are broadcast outside, carrying the drama away from the stadium.
Image rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners
The design allows for solar energy and rainwater harvesting via the roof canopy. Its three mast sections will reach a height of 656 feet (200 meters) and be visible from almost 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, making it, in Foster's view, a "world destination." (Some UK outlets have even begun comparing their future appearance to the Eifel Tower.)
Image rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners
This will help the club compete against its cross-town rival, juggernaut Manchester City FC, whose Populous-designed Ethiad Stadium expansion is now on schedule to be delivered by late 2026.
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