Manchester United has chosen Olympic icon Lord Sebastian Coe to lead the creation of their planned 100,000-seat stadium, which is the focal point of the Old Trafford Regeneration Project.

Coe, who won two Olympic gold medals and currently serves as the President of World Athletics, has been appointed as the Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), the new organization responsible for the area’s rejuvenation around Old Trafford.

This decade-long project aims to provide not only a cutting-edge stadium, set to be the largest in the UK, but also aims to enhance the local area with investments in housing, infrastructure, education, and transportation.

United first unveiled their plans for a new £2bn ground in March, which will be built close to the current stadium – widely viewed as outdated and in disrepair. The club hopes to complete the project within five to six years, and ultimately host the 2035 Women’s World Cup final at the new venue.

Lord Coe, who previously led the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force – which explored the initial feasibility of the stadium and wider development – and famously chaired London’s successful 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid, said he is “delighted” to continue working on the initiative.

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen the difference that sports-led regeneration can make in fostering strong communities and acting as a catalyst for economic growth,” Coe said. “That was certainly true of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics – and now, I believe, Greater Manchester’s moment has come.”

“This is about so much more than just a stadium. It’s about listening to and working with residents to create a vibrant, inclusive district, with high-quality housing, green spaces, world-class leisure and education facilities, and improved transport links.”

United’s CEO Omar Berrada praised the appointment: “Lord Coe’s proven leadership and track record in delivering transformational projects will be invaluable as we work together to turn our collective vision into reality.”