Title: Enhancing Old Trafford: The Transport Challenge and Potential Solutions
Introduction:
Manchester United, in collaboration with Trafford Council, is focused on regenerating the Old Trafford area, with plans to rebuild or revamp the iconic football stadium. However, a crucial issue that needs addressing is transportation. With ambitions to increase the stadium’s capacity to 90,000 or beyond, Manchester United must improve transport links to and from the stadium. The current state of congested roads, limited car parking, and stretched tram capacity poses significant disruption to residents. One potential solution being explored is the transformation of a nearby rail freight terminal into a train station for matchday transportation.
The Rail Freight Terminal and its Ownership:
Located to the west of Old Trafford, the rail freight terminal is owned by multiple entities, including Manchester United, Freightliner, DB Cargo International, and H Company 2. Alderney Urban Investments, owned by United, also holds a leaseholder interest. The terminal serves as a crucial rail and distribution hub in the North West, handling approximately 20 daily Freightliner services to and from the UK’s deep-sea ports.
Manchester United’s Proposal for a Train Station:
With plans for a larger stadium, Manchester United recognizes the need for alternative transportation routes. One viable option is establishing a train station that connects to Manchester Piccadilly Station in the city center. Although trams currently serve the Trafford Bar and Wharfside stops, they are insufficient on matchdays, accommodating fewer fans compared to trains. Transforming the freight terminal into a train station could alleviate congestion issues and provide a more efficient mode of transport for supporters.
Support from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester:
Andy Burnham, a member of the task force responsible for regenerating Trafford, including the stadium project, has expressed support for relocating the freight terminal. Burnham believes moving it elsewhere, such as Port Salford or Parkside in Wigan, would benefit both Manchester United and the Greater Manchester population. By freeing up space near Old Trafford, the redevelopment plans could proceed more smoothly, fostering a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
Funding and Public-Private Partnerships:
Manchester United is actively exploring the possibility of using public funds to support the stadium’s rebuilding or redevelopment. However, it is unlikely that public financing would be allocated directly to the stadium project. Instead, public money could be channeled towards broader community benefits, such as leisure facilities, business hubs, and housing developments. Therefore, public funding might be used to finance the conversion of the freight terminal into a train station, which is part of the wider regeneration project.
Addressing Security Concerns:
The closure of the Old Trafford Halt station was prompted by heightened security measures at sports grounds. The station’s proximity to the stadium posed a risk as individuals could not be screened before arrival or during boarding. However, if the freight terminal site were transformed into a new railway station, it would offer ample space for security checks between disembarking from trains and entering the stadium. This solution could effectively address the outstanding security issue.
Implications of Failing to Find a Solution:
While the lack of a suitable solution would not prevent Old Trafford’s redevelopment, it would limit the potential increase in capacity. Transportation is considered crucial to the success of the wider project. If the freight terminal remains unchanged, Manchester United would need to explore alternative transportation methods and manage the influx of people differently. Other stadiums, such as Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, have addressed similar challenges by incorporating underground car parks. However, given the already congested roads surrounding Old Trafford, increasing car numbers would exacerbate traffic issues.
Conclusion:
Manchester United’s collaboration with Trafford Council to regenerate the Old Trafford area presents an exciting opportunity for growth and transformation. Addressing the transportation challenge is paramount to accommodating increased capacity and ensuring a positive experience for supporters. By repurposing the rail freight terminal into a train station, the club can alleviate traffic congestion, offer more efficient transport options, and enhance the overall matchday experience. The support of key figures like Andy Burnham and potential public-private partnerships further highlight the potential for a successful redevelopment project that benefits both the club and the wider community.