Manchester United have confirmed plans for improvements to Old Trafford’s provision for disabled supporters, after positive and constructive consultation with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA).
The club spoke to architects and undertook a thorough examination of dozens of options to increase the capacity for disabled supporters within the stadium, in line with the Accessible Stadia guide and engaged with a large number of stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome.
See: Premier League statement on accessibility
The significant structural work will accommodate over 300 new positions for disabled supporters, including the installation of new wheelchair user platforms, the widening of vomitories, and new amenity seats for other disabled supporters.
A home for all Reds. We’re making Old Trafford more accessible for fans like Christian.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 24, 2017
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All structural work will be completed ahead of the 2017/18 Premier League campaign, allowing all the new accessible facilities to be used immediately for friendlies and cup matches not included in the automatic cup scheme.
“Old Trafford is a home for all United fans and these changes will help many more of our loyal disabled supporters to attend games to watch their heroes,” Richard Arnold, Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, told Manutd.com. “Manchester United prides itself on its work in this area for more than 25 years, and will continue to ensure that it remains at the forefront of our thinking."