Norman Foster speaks out on controversial 100,000 new seater Man United stadium design and reveals how long before it’s done

Norman Foster speaks out on controversial 100,000 new seater Man United stadium design and reveals how long before it’s done

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Some have compared the plans for the new Manchester United stadium to a circus tent, but architect Norman Foster has explained the purpose of the ‘vast umbrella’ surrounding the venue.

Ambitious plans have been unveiled for a new 100,000-seater stadium, with the club now focusing on that scheme rather than redeveloping Old Trafford.

Red Devils co-owner Jim Ratcliffe says these plans would produced the ‘world’s greatest football ground’ and it would certainly be one of the most unique.

Scaled models and conceptual images have been revealed of the new stadium and the area surrounding it, drawn up by architects Foster + Partners.

The world renowned 89-year-old architect has spoken out about the design and how it is intended to operate, not just as a football stadium.

‘This has to be one of the most exciting projects in the world today, with incredible regional and national significance,’ said Foster. ‘It all starts with the fans’ experience, bringing them closer than ever to the pitch and acoustically cultivating a huge roar.

‘The stadium is contained by a vast umbrella, harvesting energy and rainwater, and sheltering a new public plaza that is twice the size of Trafalgar Square.

The outward-looking stadium will be the beating heart of a new sustainable district, which is completely walkable, served by public transport, and endowed by nature.

‘It’s welcoming, it’s open. It’s at the very heart of a new neighbourhood. And then it’s part of the city of Manchester, the fastest-growing city in the United Kingdom, a city, again, like no other. It’s a powerhouse steeped in history.

‘It is a mixed-use miniature city of the future – driving a new wave of growth and creating a global destination that Mancunians can be proud of.’

Foster also set out the ambitious plan to build the stadium in just five years, which he says is half the time you might expect it to take.

‘Normally, a stadium would take 10 years to build. We half that time. Five years,’ he said. ‘How do we do that? By prefabrication. By using the network of Manchester Ship Canal. Bringing it back to a new life. Shipping in components, 160 of them, Meccano-like.’

The new stadium is expected to cost £2bn, although how the club will finance the build is yet to be explained.