The Old Trafford stadium project could bring major changes to Salford. It promises new jobs and investment, making the area more attractive for businesses and residents alike.
They’re talking about millions of pounds flowing into the area. This could create thousands of new jobs, which is fantastic news for locals. The council has greenlit a new mayoral development zone. This will be a joint effort by Salford council, Trafford council, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The plan focuses on the Western Gateway area. This includes the Liverpool Road and M62 corridors, plus the Manchester Ship Canal. For Salford, this could mean over 5,000 new jobs and a £6.4 million boost from business rates.
At a recent town hall meeting, city mayor Paul Dennett shared his thoughts. He noted how Greater Manchester used to struggle to attract investment. Now, things have changed, and people are interested in the area again.
Dennett emphasized that the Old Trafford decision is just the start. It could lead to even bigger developments. The Western Gateway plans aim to create a whopping 511,000 square meters of new employment space. This includes land at the Salford Community Stadium in Eccles.
Trafford council is also exploring a mayoral development corporation for Old Trafford. This could pave the way for rebuilding Manchester United’s iconic stadium.
A big part of the Western Gateway is Port Salford. This distribution hub can be accessed by ship, road, and rail. It has the potential for five million square feet of logistics space.
Looking ahead, Dennett mentioned the need for a new station between Liverpool and Manchester. Currently, getting to Media City and Old Trafford isn’t easy. You have to go into Manchester first, which isn’t efficient.
He believes this project will help boost regeneration along the ship canal. It will connect the Salford Community Stadium and Port Salford. The mayor pointed out that infrastructure investment is crucial for growth.
This includes new roads and railways to support the scheme. Improved transport links to Eccles town center and changes to the wider road network are also on the table.
