Salford supermarket approved, against Manchester’s wishes

Si-Si Investments will shortly begin the formal search for a supermarket operator for a 25,000 sq ft food store in Salford after the project received planning consent, despite objections from Manchester City Council.

The Ian Simpson-designed store in Springfield Lane, Blackfriars was granted planning consent by Salford City Council and cleared by the Secretary of State against possible call-in for a public inquiry last month.

The incoming operator will get a city centre catchment area that includes residents of 8,000 houses and flats within a half-mile radius.

The land is owned by the council, Si-Si Investments and Urban Splash, which will deliver 40 new homes along the River Irwell as part of a joint venture with Si-Si. The developers expect to sign a Section 106 agreement setting out conditions for development in the coming weeks, triggering the formal marketing campaign.

Manchester's opposition was based on its preference for two sites it has reserved for city food stores: Ask's First Street and Henderson's Central Retail Park, Great Ancoats Street.

Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Centre, wrote in his letter of objection to Salford town hall: "The council's concern is that the proposals at Springfield Lane have the potential to threaten the delivery of schemes in Manchester without bringing any of the benefits. The capacity for retail development is finite, and the site selection is therefore important."

Urban Splash chairman Tom Bloxham addressed the planning committee of Salford City Council himself in December to persuade them to approve the scheme.

Simon Gould, chairman of Si-Si Investments, said: "We are proud to be instrumental in obtaining a planning permission for a much required store so close to the centre. Our scheme significantly enhances the regeneration of Greengate. It will create much needed local jobs and, for the first time in this locale, thousands of people and commuters will be able to shop at an easily accessible supermarket."

Currently, people in the area have to travel away from the centre to Sainsbury's in Regent Road or Tesco in Cheetham Hill to visit a supermarket.

The new application was supported by several residents' groups including Bridgewater Residents Association and Vertical Village Tenants & Residents Association.

Si-Si was advised by Crofts Transport Solutions and NJL Consulting on planning.