'We have a chance to write the next chapter in story of Old Trafford'

NEW PARTNERSHIP WILL FOCUS ON BENEFITS FOR WIDER AREA AS STADIUM IS DEVELOPED

- ANDREW BARDSLEY

THE next stage of the project to transform Old Trafford stadium and its surrounding areas has been announced.

A 'strategic partnership' has been between Manchester United, Trafford council, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the body made up of our region's ten local councils.

Trafford Council says the partnership will work closely with the club and focus on regeneration of the wider area, to bring social and economic benefits to residents.

United has said the development of a world-class football stadium is at the heart of the project.

And the club has previously announced its own Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force to oversee the future of Old Trafford and regeneration of the surrounding area.

Its members include Andy Burnham and Gary Neville and it is chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe.

The dilemma between building a new stadium on land surrounding the current ground or redeveloping has caused fierce debate.