Supporters’ club gains for Old Trafford building

OLD TRAFFORD Supporters’ Club Ltd has gained outline planning permission to build a new suporters’ club and facilities on land at Sir Matt Busby Way at the junction with Wharfside in Old Trafford.

The organisation, which is a privately-funded limited company which is an official supprters’ branch of the club, has been granted permission to build an eight-storey building on the site, which was previously part of a large complex of industrial buildings which have since become vacant and overgrown. 

The outline application for the building included plans for office space, media facilities, a souvenir shop, function rooms and a cafe. There will also be space for community use.

The supporters’ club said that its aim was to establish a supporters’ building that can be used both on match days and on non-match days, develop a sourveneir shop and build links with the local community. It aims to open the new club by the start of the 2012/13 football club season.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be granted outline planning permission,” Old Trafford Supporters’ Club said in a statement. 

“This is a groundbreaking project which will provide Manchester United fans with their own supporters’ club and facilities, while encouraging interaction with the local community.”

It said further details on the proposed design, layout and facilities will be announced next year.