Dezeen Magazine

Carrington training ground

"Proud Mancunian" Norman Foster to renovate Manchester United training ground

Architecture studio Foster + Partners has begun work renovating the interiors of the men's first-team building at Manchester United's Carrington training complex.

The renovation of the training ground located around six miles from the club's Old Trafford home stadium commenced yesterday and is being led by Foster + Partners founder Norman Foster, who is from Manchester.

Born in Reddish in 1935, Foster described the design as capturing "the spirit of industry, grit and ambition that exemplifies both Manchester and Manchester United".

"As a proud Mancunian, it is a particular honour for me to see Foster + Partners given this responsibility," he added.

Rendering of the men's first-team building by Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners will renovate the men's first-team building at Carrington

The project will include a complete interior refurbishment of the building, transforming it into what Manchester United described as a "world-class football facility".

Foster + Partners will initially focus on creating more streamlined interiors for the gym, as well as medical, nutrition and recovery areas.

Sandy-hued interiors for football training ground building for Manchester United
Renders show sandy-hued interiors

Renders released by Foster + Partners show sandy-hued, open-plan spaces illuminated by floor-to-ceiling glazing and filled with potted plants.

"When we conducted a thorough review of the Carrington training facilities and met with our men's first team players, it was clear the standards had fallen below some of our peers," explained club co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.

"This project will ensure Manchester United's training ground is once more renovated to the highest standards," he added.

The renovation is the latest stage in wider developments at Carrington, where the Manchester United Women and Academy building opened in October 2023.

The Foster + Partners project is set to last through the next football season, although temporary adaptations will be made to the rest of the Carrington site to accommodate player and staff needs during the renovation period.

The studio has designed the architecture for previously completed sports venues including London's Wembley Stadium, which opened in 2007, and the more recent Lusail Stadium in Qatar created for the FIFA 2022 World Cup.

The renderings are courtesy of Foster + Partners.