A RAIL freight terminal situated close to Manchester United's Old Trafford home could be relocated to the St Helens Borough to enable a project to see the club develop a new stadium.

This week, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham announced he has asked the government for money to move a freight railway depot behind the stadium, with Parkside East the proposed location. 

Trade press have reported that Tritax Big Box Developments, who bought 221 acres at Parkside East, Newton-le-Willows, in October 2023, began planning a 2.5m sq ft rail terminal at the site.

Parkside has freeport status and was reserved for rail development in the Local Plan adopted in 2022.

According to the trade press, a land deal could see Freightliner relocate its rail terminal from Old Trafford to Parkside East.

The freight rail terminal situated behind the stadium needs to be moved to free up land to make room for any expansion.

Mr Burnham said that while no public money will be spent on Manchester United's plans to revamp their stadium, he did suggest some taxpayers' cash could go into infrastructure needed to move the terminal to St Helens.

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Freightliner is understood to be operating at capacity in Trafford and is keen to expand in a new location. Savills is reportedly representing Freightliner on the land deal discussions.

Manchester United unveiled details about their proposed regeneration of Trafford Park, which is centred on a new 100,000-capacity stadium, at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool on Monday.

Oxford Economics, which were commissioned by the club to investigate the economic feasibility of the project, outlined what they believe will be its enormous impact.

The firm found the project, which is being spearheaded by billionaire Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, could also deliver 92,000 new jobs, more than 17,000 new homes and an extra 1.8million visitors per year.

Since buying a minority stake in the club in February, which effectively put him in charge at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe has spoken of his desire to create a “Wembley of the North” upon the footprint of the club’s existing home.

Greater Manchester mayor Mr Burnham spoke on the Old Trafford Regeneration stand at the Labour Party conference on Monday where he said the deal was progressing well.

Mr Burnham told ITV: “It could be the catalyst for growth across the North West.

“This scheme could also bring benefits to the Liverpool City Region.

"They have plans for a major strategic rail interchange just off the M6 in St Helens.

"If we relocate the freight behind the current Old Trafford, that will help that scheme go forward.”