Salford

The grand plans to turn Salford’s railway arches into a vibrant new destination

This could be a game-changer.proper

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 12th February 2024

Plans have been submitted to transform a row of empty railway arches in Salford into a bustling new cultural and food and drink destination.

Mirroring similar successful schemes in the Green Quarter (where businesses like Green Arches, Base Bar, and The Sparrows have set up shop) and in the area east of Piccadilly (home to loads of taprooms and breweries), the plans could see part of the Greengate area totally transformed.

CGIs included in the planning application show a vision for a tree-lined pedestrianised area, each railway arch home to a different business.

If it all goes ahead, it could mean a new microbrewery, bars and restaurants, and even an art gallery here on Gorton Street, though the eight arches included would be flexible to other types of businesses too.

A planning application has now been submitted to Salford City Council by PL North Bridge to create an ‘exciting’ and ‘unique’ destination in the Greengate area.

ADVERTISEMENT

The plans for the railway arches are linked to another application by the same developer to build a 41-storey apartment block home to 568 ‘co-living units’.

The huge 41-storey tower beside the railway arches in Greengate, Salford
The huge 41-storey tower beside the railway arches in Greengate, Salford
The huge 41-storey tower beside the railway arches in Greengate, Salford
The huge 41-storey tower beside the railway arches in Greengate, Salford

It’s possible that some of the railway arch space could be used as cycle storage or waste for the co-living development.

ADVERTISEMENT

As things stand, the arches are in ‘poor condition’ according to the planning statement.

The new plans for the railway arches are part of a much wider redevelopment of the Greengate area.

Salford council has said it wants this part of the city to feel ‘more Brooklyn than Manhattan’.

ADVERTISEMENT

They said: “Greengate sits in the heart of city centre Salford where the vision to 2040 is; for it to become a distinctive place to live, work and visit, proud to be more Brooklyn than Manhattan, where people and businesses, from near and far, can find the space they need to thrive, prosper, create and connect.”

Read more

Featured image: BDP

Salford

Consultation begins for plans to regenerate Strangeways neighbourhood and beyond

Danny Jones Danny Jones Strangeways regeneration plans consultation

The consultation for the potential plans to regenerate districts around Greater Manchester’s Strangeways prison has officially begun.

Known these days as simply HMP Manchester, the areas surrounding what was once known as ‘the UK’s most dangerous prison’ are the latest to have been eyed up for some serious TLC, with both Manchester and Salford City Council currently working on the “ambitious proposals”.

It is said that the collaborative project, which spans a total of seven different neighbourhoods across the two cities, could see as many as 7,000 new homes built and the creation of approximately 4,500 jobs.

Artistic impressions of what the redeveloped region could look like have already been released, but now both members of the public, local businesses and stakeholders are being invited to share their feedback.

Focusing on the ‘fringe’ communities of Strangeaways and Cambridge, the councils’ joint consultation process is underway and is set to last eight weeks

While Manc, Salfordians and more can share their thoughts online, a number of in-person discussions will be taking place between two venues – one in Salford and another in Cheetham Hill.

The first of these meetings is being hosted at the Broughton Community Centre this Saturday, 29 March from 10am to 3pm, with the second scheduled for the following Tuesday (1 April).

Aanother series of assemblies will begin at The Yard on Monday, 7 April from 3-7pm. You can find the other dates below:

  • Thursday 24 April, 3-7pm – Salford
  • Tuesday 29 April, 3-7pm – Salford
  •  Thursday 1 May, 3-7pm – The Yard
  • Tuesday 6 May, 3-7pm – The Yard

Manchester City Council Leader, Bev Craig, said of the plans’ progress thus far: “This framework is our shared long-term vision, alongside our colleagues in Salford, to deliver a transformation in the Strangeways and Cambridge communities.

“We have an opportunity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by the ‘Operation Vulcan‘ partnership, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods – creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city – alongside a major new public park and new homes, including Council, social and genuinely affordable housing.  

“We know this area has challenges, including the prison that presents a key barrier to the regeneration of the area, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential.   

“We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.”

strangeways cambridge redevelopment plans
where in manchester is strangeways?
What the area could look like compared to its current appearance. (Credit: Manchester City Council/David Long via Geograph)

The consultation process will end officially close on Monday, 26 May and the results will then be reported back to the both councils’ relative cabinet committees, as The Draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) has already been reviewed by both.

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, went on to add: “We’ve been on a journey of growth and regeneration in recent years, and our work has changed the landscape in different parts of Salford for the benefit of our residents…

“This framework proposes options for the Salford part of the SRF, taking into account the requirements of residents and local businesses, and the need for quality housing in the area. The key will be to balance these needs with what the long-term flood data is telling us and how we future-proof the area against climate change. 

“The proposals in the framework seek to identify the best possible options for this area. These include the exciting opportunity to create a new city park for all, with an option for appropriate levels of mixed-use development, to continue to drive sustainable growth.”

Read more:

It goes without saying that the presence of HMP MCR, a.k.a. ‘Strangeways Prison’, still presents a major image problem, especially given both historic and even more recent headlines.

However, with so many historic areas of central Manchester and beyond having been transformed over the past decade, who knows what the next 10 years will hold for this particular area?

Once again, you can offer your feedback on the Strangeways and Cambridge regeneration plans HERE.

Strangeways declared ‘threat to national security’ following drone deliveries of drugs, weapons and more

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Supplied via Manchester and Salford City Councils/David Long (via Geograph)

Salford

Sale Sharks notch another new signing ahead of next season – and he’s rather big

Danny Jones Danny Jones Sale Sharks new signing Jacques Vermeulen height

Sale Sharks have acquired another new signing ahead of next season as they have secured the services of Jacques Vermeulen.

Oh yeah, and in case you didn’t know, he’s a very big lad…

The 30-year-old South African will be joining the second group of Sharks in his career, having previously played for Durban’s Hollywoodbets team of the same nickname based back in his home country.

He made his move to the Gallagher Premiership back in the 2019/20 campaign and after spending six years with the Exeter Chiefs, Vermeulen is now set to swap Sandy Park for Salford.

Capable of being deployed at lock or along the back-row, the Paarl-born rugby union player has been labelled one of the best in his position that the league has seen in recent times, having made over a century of appearances for the Chiefs, who won their second title the season he arrived.

Joining Alex Sanderson’s side on a two-year contract after spending six years at Sandy Park, he will make his way to the Salford Community Stadium next season, following the arrival of Nathan Jibulu.

Towering above many other players at a whopping 6’6″, not only is he massive in stature but the Premiership heavyweight is known for his work rate and aggression, as well as being no stranger to grabbing a try or two.

Speaking via an official club announcement, Vermeulen said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Sale Sharks. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the club’s structure and incredible fan base, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.  

“I already have some good friends in the squad, which will make the transition even smoother, and I truly believe this team has the talent and ambition to achieve big things.  

“I’m excited to contribute and give my all for the club, and I can’t wait to get started. Sale Sharks are a very physical outfit and that suits my style of play.” 

Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, went on to add: “Jacques has been one of the most consistent performers in his position in the league ever since he arrived at Exeter.  

“His enthusiasm is infectious and he’s always been a nightmare to play against and someone we’ve had to target. He’s one of those players you want on your team because of his unparalleled, unrelenting physicality and work-rate. 

“He’s a real enforcer, his ability to repeat physical actions is second to none and he’ll complement what we’ve already got. He can play anywhere across the back five but I think there’s more to come from him and that’s really exciting. 

“He already has plenty of good mates here, so I have no doubt he’ll fit right in. We’re all buzzing to get him here.”

With fan-favourite Raffi Quirke also signing a new deal recently, the Curry brothers still running the flanks and George Ford looking on top form too, the Sale Sharks are looking strong going into 2025/2026.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Exeter Chiefs/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube)

More Salford

Leopard Pie pizza Worsley Salford expanding into the US

Business

Worsley-born wood-fired pizza brand set for sensational US expansion

Richard Crawt

Crime

Detectives investigating the ‘unexplained’ death of a Salford man urgently appeal for information

Salford

The female-only five-mile trail race that’s been running through Salford for over three decades

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches