Grant to boost heart of Salford regeneration

The £650m regeneration will see empty buildings brought back into use

A £10.8m grant will kickstart the £650m redevelopment of the historic heart of Salford, the North West Development Agency (NWDA) has said.

More than 800 homes, shops, offices and new public squares are included in the plans centred around Chapel Street.

The NWDA cash will pay for work on road reconfiguration, pavement widening, new street lighting and public spaces.

It is hoped this infrastructure work will attract the private investment needed to deliver the masterplan.

Almost 18 hectares will be regenerated, creating 849 homes, 390 hotel rooms, offices and leisure facilities.

Architects of the plan believe the final scheme will generate about 11,000 jobs.

It will be a monumental project which will mean more jobs, economic vitality and a better future for both Salford and Manchester Paul Lakin, NWDA

But investment in the infrastructure of the area is "critical" to make the Chapel Street area "attractive to the private sector", the NWDA said.

Paul Lakin, NWDA's director of land and property, said: "The Chapel Street area has huge potential but needs significant public investment to create the type of environment which is essential to attract high levels of private investment.

"It will be a monumental project which will mean more jobs, economic vitality and a better future for both Salford and Manchester."

Chapel Street links Salford to Manchester city centre and currently carries some of the highest traffic flows into Manchester from the west.

Funding 'critical'

The first phase of work, which will start immediately, will be junction improvements and highway configuration to divert traffic away from the area.

Once completed, work on improving public spaces - including new squares at Salford Cathedral and St Phillips Church - will begin.

It will make the area more pedestrian-friendly and create a safer environment for businesses and visitors.

Councillor Derek Antrobus, Salford City Council member for planning, said: "This funding is critical to get the plans off the ground and we are grateful to the NWDA for their support."