Old Trafford: new stadium, freight relocated

The UK government has expressed its backing for the redevelopment of the Old Trafford precinct around the Manchester United stadium. There are implications for rail freight operations locally and spread further across the whole northwest of England. A new development, around a completely rebuilt football stadium, would require the adjacent rail freight terminals to be relocated.

Freightliner would be affected most by the redevelopment of Old Trafford. However, the freight operator has signalled its amenability to a move. An adjacent terminal, shared by DB Cargo UK and Maritime Transport, is also included in the proposals shown to the public last week. The other two operators have yet to comment. But Freightliner has expressed an interest in a new development under consideration at Newton-le-Willows, about 25 miles (40km) to the west.

Drive regeneration and growth

A statement from the UK government has put in…