A significant regeneration project with a new stadium for Manchester United at its heart is a very exciting prospect.
When we talk about regeneration, the focus often falls on the big numbers – new homes, new jobs, new visitors, new investment.
But behind every number is a person, a family, a household. Someone who already lives, works or studies here.
Someone who loves this place. Someone who deserves to see their future strengthened, not sidelined, as the project grows.
That is what this transformation must be about: people first.
We want young people who grew up in the area to be able to buy their first home here.
We want long-standing residents to feel the benefits of change, not the pressures of it.
And we want visitors – whether they come for football, cricket, concerts or culture – to enjoy a world-class destination surrounded by thriving neighbourhoods, not just a single impressive building.
So let’s imagine together what Old Trafford could look like a decade from now.
A place where new homes – including genuinely affordable homes – sit within a smart, sustainable neighbourhood.
A district that’s green, beautiful and easy to navigate, whether you’re on foot, on wheels or taking public transport.
A local economy offering thousands of good jobs across a range of sectors.
A community where businesses grow, families flourish and visitors feel welcome every day of the week, not just on matchday.
That’s the vision we’re working on. But vision alone doesn’t change a place. Partnership does. Community does.
The Old Trafford Regeneration MDC isn’t about imposing change from above.
It’s about bringing people together – residents, businesses, developers, cultural partners, sporting institutions and public services – to shape a shared future. It’s about making sure that, as investment flows in, the benefits flow fairly across every street and every household.
Old Trafford has always been a place of global recognition and local pride.
Now it has the chance to become something even greater: a model of how regeneration can work for everyone.
As someone who lives within touching distance of this project, I’m very proud to be involved.
The Chair of the new Mayoral Development Corporation, Lord Seb Coe, brings a huge amount of experience with him from the London 2012 Olympic Games.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m determined that we all reap the benefits.
Tom Ross is the leader of Trafford Council.