Plans to transform an area of Salford to include housing and a new park have been green-lit by the city council despite concerns over flooding and parking.
On Tuesday morning (November 11), Salford Council’s cabinet met to discuss the Strangeways and Cambridge Strategic Regeneration Framework, which includes an area of Broughton on the Manchester border. Manchester City Council will meet on Wednesday (November 12) to discuss whether they will give the rubber-stamp.
The proposals, which include ‘a network of green spaces to celebrate the River Irwell’, outline a long-term vision for regeneration on both sides of the city boundary in Lower Broughton.
One council officer said that the plan had been revised to reflect community feedback, which included concerns for parking and loading bays for businesses.
“The consultation we conducted earlier this year which supported the regeneration brought calls to protect the heritage of the area,” she said. “We’ve updated the documents to reflect those comments, and we’re going to do more work around that.”
Another praised the report’s forward thinking, highlighting its role in helping residents and businesses adapt to future climate and flooding challenges, including rising water levels in the River Irwell. He said the framework would be a “material consideration” in planning and transport decisions, ensuring long-term sustainability guides local development.
The names of the neighbourhoods “Copper Park” and “Overbridge” are not set in stone, according to the council officer, as she mentioned at the meeting earlier today.
Councillors were in agreements for the plans, and to formally adopt the framework. If approved by Manchester City Council when they meet, the plan will become a shared guide for shaping the area’s regeneration.
There are plans to build Copper Park, a green space located north of the Irwell, east of Great Clowes Street and south of Broughton Lane, which the council says would allow an area with a high flood risk to be used without risking property damage.
In a previous statement, a spokesperson for Salford Council said: “This vision has been shaped by the voices of residents and businesses, and should the proposals be approved, their continued involvement will be central to its success.
“While the area faces challenges such as flood risk and fragmented land ownership, the framework sets out innovative, long-term solutions to overcome these and build resilience for future generations.”
