Who is Norman Foster? Meet the architect behind stunning Man United Old Trafford plans
The founder and chairman of Foster + Partners have been appointed to assess the intended regeneration at Old Trafford
Manchester United's plans for a new look stadium are ramping up after Foster + Partners were appointed to come up with designed for a new look Old Trafford.
The man behind the project is proud Mancunian Norman Foster, who is the founder and chairman of Foster + Partners. The 89-year-old is also known as the Baron Foster of Thames Bank and a renowned architect and designer.
He was given the title Sir Norman Foster in the 1990 Birthday Honours by Queen Elizabeth. The Stockport-born designer has worked on some huge engineering projects, including Wembley Stadium, Apple Park and the recently built Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
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Foster + Partners will develop a masterplan for United and Old Trafford covering the club-owned land that surrounds the existing stadium. Lord Foster is already involved with the £50million refurbishment of United's Carrington training complex.
He said: “As a proud Mancunian, I am passionate about the chance to rebuild on Manchester’s great industrial heritage, creating a vibrant new mixed-use community, served by highly sustainable and improved transport links, providing homes and jobs for the local community, all catalysed by a world-class stadium for the world’s most famous football team - Manchester United.”
The Manchester Evening News reported in July that the club were hoping to submit plans for a new 100,000 all-seater stadium by the end of the year. United have still not publicly confirmed their plan to build a new £2bn stadium on the existing site.
Collette Roche, Manchester United Chief Operating Officer, said: “We have a clear vision to transform and revitalise the club-owned land around Old Trafford and we know that Foster + Partners is the best partner to help us develop the plans. This is an area of Greater Manchester ready for major new investment so that it can thrive once more, and we are determined to help deliver those outcomes. “We want this area to become a true destination, that not only provides an unbeatable matchday experience for our fans, but also supports other forms of entertainment, leisure, business and residential facilities surrounding a world-class stadium. Lord Foster has unrivalled experience in delivering projects of this scale and ambition.”