A key appointment has been made
What Old Trafford could look like under the plans(Image: Foster + Partners)
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A major new update in the regeneration plans for the area around Manchester United's Old Trafford football stadium has been announced.
Lord Sebastian Coe, who won four Olympic medals and headed the successful bid for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has already been named as chair designate of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which will help drive forward the huge project.
Karen Hirst has now been named as Project Director, working alongside Lord Coe. The chartered surveyor will lead delivery for the corporation.
The establishment of the MDC has been approved by Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, following a recommendation by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. It will be legally formalised following Parliamentary approval.
Most recently, Ms Hirst was managing director of Maple Grove Developments, overseeing major commercial projects in the North West, including industrial, logistics and town centre regeneration.
Old Trafford(Image: PA)
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She has also been a group board director of Eric Wright Group, and development director at both Salford City Council and Central Salford Regeneration Company, during her 35 years in property and development. Karen is also a non-executive director of Regenda Group.
The MDC will co-ordinate multi-million-pound efforts to transform the area, as a key part of the Greater Manchester Strategy. Forthcoming housing development in Old Trafford has already been allocated a significant share of the newly-announced £1bn Good Growth Fund.
The MDC is set to attract public and private sector investment to accelerate transformational regeneration, creating a world-class, sports-led visitor destination, rich in culture and entertainment. Ambitions are 'to make Old Trafford one of the best places in the UK to live, work, and visit', with up to 15,000 new homes, including affordable homes, as well as employment opportunities.
Hirst will be responsible for delivering the strategic vision for the Old Trafford regeneration, developing and implementing a business plan to make it happen.
The Trafford Wharf plans(Image: Hawkins/Brown/Trafford Council)
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"I am excited to be taking on this new role and I am looking forward to working with Lord Coe, the teams at GMCA, Trafford Council, Manchester United FC and other key partners, stakeholders and local residents," she said.
"After working in both the private and public sector, I know that ambitious regeneration projects such as Old Trafford regeneration are challenging and will require many parties and people to make it a success."
Lord Coe, meanwhile, praised her 'wealth of experience coupled with her passion and enthusiasm'.
In March, United unveiled ambitious plans for a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadium, Now, an initial commitment of £26m for 382 new homes as part of the Trafford Wharf development has been promised – the first major investment in the Old Trafford regeneration area.