As they attempt to catch up to their Premier League competitors going forward, Manchester United has unveiled ambitious plans to further revitalize the club’s training facilities.
As part of their next phase of planned refurbishment of the Trafford Training Centre at Carrington, which is expected to begin next week, the Red Devils aim to entirely renovate the men’s first-team complex, which debuted in 2000. The project is expected to cost £50 million.
Foster + Partners, a London-based business headed by Lord Norman Foster, has provided services to United and has been involved in some of the largest architectural projects globally.
Following initial assessments that revealed the Carrington facilities were now falling short of those of their top-flight competitors, United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who completed a £1.65 billion deal to purchase a 27.7% stake in his boyhood club in February, said the club wanted to create a “world-class environment” for teams to win.
Ratcliffe stated, “This project will ensure that Manchester United’s training ground is once again renovated to the highest standards.”
“We are excited to see the improvements to the facilities, but most importantly, on the pitch. Lord Foster, a fellow Manchester native, has brought some great inspiration to the design in collaboration with the Manchester United team.”
“Modernize and revitalise the building as a catalyst for future footballing success, creating spaces that inspire a culture of collaboration, unity, and belonging,” according to Lord Foster, was the objective.
“We are thrilled to be leading the renovation of Manchester United’s Carrington training facility,” he continued.
“It is a special honor for me to be entrusted with this responsibility as a proud Manchesterian, and we will make sure that our design embodies the spirit of industry, grit, and ambition that defines both Manchester and Manchester United.”