…and the other is a casino
Official club statement:
‘Manchester United has joined forces with leading hotel, entertainment and gaming company Las Vegas Sands Corp to develop exciting plans for a world class entertainment complex on land near the famous Old Trafford stadium.
‘The plans include a luxury Five Star hotel, restaurants, health club, sports bar and a regional casino on the Trafford Park side of the ground. Coupled with the successful Lowry Centre and Imperial War Museum North, the plans will create the largest cultural village outside central London.
‘The futuristic design includes provision for a new Metrolink station to allow rapid transfer from all parts of Greater Manchester, improved bus routes and additional parking spaces on the site.
‘Further plans are being developed to regenerate a wider area around the stadium, including the potential for exciting new leisure, recreation and entertainment-based businesses in the Quays area for local communities to use and enjoy.
‘Manchester United's Commercial Director, Andy Anson welcomed the move. He said:
‘"The Club is delighted to be part of this exciting project, working with such a leading organisation as Las Vegas Sands and with Trafford Council. If selected by an independent Advisory Panel, it will provide first class entertainment and accommodation on one of the most famous sporting sites in the world. It will also create jobs and generate income for the local economy.
‘"There's a lot of work still to be done. In particular, we are looking carefully at how it would change the dynamics of the site and how it would affect our fans on matchdays.
‘"Any plans will of course consider the social issues associated with gambling and we will take expert advice on putting an agreed plan in place to deal with those matters comprehensively."
‘Trafford Council's Executive has agreed in principle to support the joint proposal from Manchester United plc and Las Vegas Sands and has made an initial bid for a licence for a regional-scale casino in Trafford.’