United undertake Carrington upgrade project

Tuesday 21 September 2021 14:00

Manchester United is in the midst of a wave of improvements to its Carrington Training Centre.

The club will shortly submit planning applications for two new bespoke pavilions to host additional changing facilities, offices, gyms and catering areas. Plans for overflow car parking are also in the pipeline.

A planning application has already been submitted to Trafford Council for new floodlights, a new all-seater stand, improved access footpaths, pitchside toilets, an electricity sub-station and new fencing along the east side of the training centre.

The all-seater stand, with a built-in broadcast and performance analysis platform, is proposed to be situated adjacent to pitch i, replacing the two smaller existing stands and TV gantry. The stand will have capacity for almost 500 people including eight positions for fans in wheelchairs, alongside their personal assistants, and will provide comfortable seating for players, coaches, staff, scouts and other visitors.

Carrington has been our training HQ since January 2000.

The proposed works will facilitate improved access for disabled users. The hardstanding areas and paths will improve mobility around the complex and the new toilet block will include a fully equipped disabled WC.

New LED floodlights will be environmentally sustainable and will enable more flexible use of the training pitches.

The proposed work will be in addition to renovations have taken place at Carrington this summer, where pitches were rebuilt, women’s team facilities and the manager’s office were refurbished, and restaurant areas were upgraded.

Collette Roche, Chief Operating Officer: “Longer term, we are looking at fuller redevelopment plans for Carrington to ensure it will be a state-of-the-art, fully integrated facility for our men’s, women’s and academy groups. In the meantime, our team have been working exceptionally hard over the summer and into this season on these improvements.

“Part of the challenge for us is to create an inclusive place for everyone who works and trains at Carrington, while making sure that it is a COVID-secure environment. We also want to make the site more accessible for those who may need to use a wheelchair or have disabilities. The new stand and access pathways are important parts of that.”

This next phase of activity is a progressive step in the development of our training complex but is just the start of the redevelopment process. Roche explained: “Significant, game-changing investment will be made into our training facilities to take Carrington to the next level once again.”

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