‘Momentous’ day as Salford acquires stadium, development land
After more than a year of deliberations, the city council has officially voted to buy Peel Group’s 50% stake in Salford Community Stadium in a multi-million-pound deal.
“It is a momentous and truly exciting day for the city,” reflected Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett following yesterday’s cabinet meeting.
“This landmark decision is the beginning of a new future for the stadium and the clubs that call it home,” he continued. “It helps to secure their future, in particular Salford Red Devils, but also the future of rugby across the city.”
The deal gives the city council full control over the 12,000-seat stadium, nearby community pitches, car park, and 27 acres of development land. It hopes to use this land to create a sport and leisure destination.
Salford Community Stadium, formerly the AJ Bell Stadium, is the home to the Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks. The rugby ground is set to host a match during the Women’s Rugby World Cup next year.
Acquiring the stadium is in line with Salford City Council’s under-development Rugby Strategy and Sports and Leisure Strategy.
“Yes, rugby is at the heart of this decision, but there are so many more benefits that just make this decision a sensible one,” Dennett said.
“It’s a decision also rooted in strategic redevelopment, regeneration, skills and work and job opportunities, health and well-being, community engagement, and supporting grassroots sports.”
Dennett added: “Through sole ownership, we’ll be able to open up this area of the city for future redevelopment and regeneration of the adjacent development land plots. This will create new jobs, deliver social value and attract significant private sector investment, all of which will be vital for the city and local communities.”
The acquisition won the support of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who hailed it as “fantastic news for Salford and for rugby fans across Greater Manchester.”
Burnham said: “The Salford Community Stadium is not just a sports venue – it’s a community asset, and a symbol of our passion and ambition for both codes of the game. Together with the other iconic grounds in Greater Manchester, it is proof that this is the sporting capital of the country.
“This is a proud moment for Salford, for rugby, and for all of us who love this great sport,” he concluded.
Isn’t the ‘sports and leisure’ destination across the Ship Canal?
By Anonymous
Quelle surprise.
By Chris
Lets buy an asset at the heart of the Salford community!
By Anonymous
Long overdue. The community that got it built now own it. Hopefully the Red Devils can benefit from the naming rights this time.
By Wolfie
The sad thing is that nobody in Salford cares about Rugby
By Anonymous
Kick Sale Sharks out now. Nothing but a bunch of asset strippers. Did it to Stockport County, and would have done it to Salford Reds without any qualms had they got their way. League is badly losing its way, but at least it has a soul in Salford. Rugby Union is a non game in the North West, no matter how much they try to spin their status as the NW’s “Rugby” team. They’re a leech that needs removing.
By MH
Let Salford and Swinton gotto rot but rugby 🏉 we must save council tax payers
By Paul Lye
Thought they had no money, hope our council tax isn’t going up sky-high to pay for it, oh forgot it already is 😡
By Anonymous
Well done Salford council
By John shaw
That should keep all five Rugby league fans in Salford happy.
By Anonymous
Salford council have done nothing to help Swinton rugby club.They have spent millions on Salford ,when the Salford area is a tip.
By Anonymous
Don’t go now. Number of times I’ve watch the game from the bridge finally getting in at half time. Cheap place to build a stadium another cool move by Peel Holdings.
By Thomas
Absolutely disgusting. A vanity purchase by mayor when the city’s infrastructure is crumpling. Where’s the money coming from?
By Ray m
Peel Holdings are hated in Salford but no-one can deny that they are experts in regenerative use of “dead land”.
Why does Salford Council believe that it can succeed in creating useful land when Peel cannot?
It doesn’t help that the site is wrong for Salford Rugby Club as it is impractical for the majority of fans to get there. I, and many friends, have never been there despite being season ticket holders at The Willows.
More important, why won’t Salford Council tell us what it has cost the tax-payers? It has admitted that it is £30000000 in debt. How much of that are we paying on top of the purchase price?
By Still a rugby fan
That could have made a great football ground. The vast majority of people in Irlam are football supporters. Why can’t the rugby lot stay in Wigan and Widnes.
By Will
They should have never left the willows 20.000 plus crowds going forward they should invite Salford City football club to share
By Anonymous
Why can’t Man U move here has Jim looked into that?
By 0-3
But it can’t afford to clean the streets, backing are a disgrace. The Swinton precinct is a problem they could have bought that and then done something for the area with it. Not one bit happy the way they are wasting our money.
By Susan
when council tax is going up roads are full of pot holes and services for residents of salford are cut to the bone…the money that is generated by the council should be better spent..
By Andy Blackburn
Dennet needs to realise the citys bank account is not for him to blow on his pet projects..spend it on fixing potholes and services or buildig council houses and flats..
By Andy Blackburn
Its easy to see but hard to actuaĺiy get to. No public transport. I live a mile away. I have thought of going but never worked out how.
By patrick