Former Manchester United player and captain Gary Neville, in conjunction with the Old Trafford Supporters Club and architects AEW, has submitted plans to Trafford Council for the development of a ten-story Manchester United-themed building adjacent to Old Trafford, reports SportsPro Media. Funded by money raised from Neville's testimonial match in May 2011, four of the ten floors will be used for 139 hotel rooms with the remaining space within the planned 8,000 sq ft building taken up by bars, restaurants, a club shop and facilities for fans to watch Manchester United matches on projector screens.
The first and second floors will be restricted to Old Trafford Supporters Club members while the building's exterior will be decorated in United's colours of red and black.
"It will bring business and jobs to the area beyond match days and will enhance the waterfront and encourage people to come to the canal and promenades which at the moment are just dead. It is hard for me to oppose this application just because there will be a few extra people walking down Sir Matt Busby Way, I am in favour of it."
Steve Burne, managing director at AEW Architects, added:
"A lot of time was invested in the design stage so that we could be sure the building will provide a true match day experience for the fans. It is a significant project that will attract attention from around the world, and one that draws on AEW's experience in the hotel and leisure sectors." "I am in favour of this application, despite being an avid Blue and season ticket holder," said Councillor Mike Cordingley. "It is an imaginative design and in a space that is currently underdeveloped. It is really clever how they have fitted the development on the proposed site and have done a great job making something out of nothing.
"We've worked with Gary Neville on several projects and are delighted to be involved in the application for the supporters' club, this is a genuine chance for Gary to give something back to the fans.
