Earlier this week, Salford Council, in collaboration with the English Cities Foundation (ECF), approved funding of £439,242 to be pumped into the Irwell River Park route along Stanley Street through the New Bailey estate.
The decision comes ahead of continued developments started in April, which focused on improving safer pedestrian and cycling routes across the city. Reaching early completion this December.
This most recent grant will be used to further enhance the area surrounding the New Bailey estate, with planned improvements including new landscaping, public accessibility, and more effective signage throughout the area.
But how have these redevelopments affected local Salford businesses?
Richard Greenwood, owner of The Egerton Arms, said, “It’s blocked one of the key arteries, the pedestrian footbridge, it’s what connects us to Spinningfields.
“Without that, I don’t know how any of the businesses this side have survived.”
The redevelopment of Chapel Street has been an ongoing project over the past 15 – 20 years.
Though this year’s road closures have been particularly hard on business owners relying on consistent footfall.
“We can see it, the drop in our takings from this year to last, there’s no other reason for such a significant fall in intake.
“We’re a traditional pub; keeping a place like this going is hard.”
Pubs like the Egerton Arms rely on their fellow businesses to maintain a community and retain customers. If one is affected, they are all affected.
But despite these hardships, the value in the continued development of the city cannot be denied. “It’s a positive thing, you know, you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, we’ll manage, and when it’s all done? It’ll be great.”
The Egerton Arms and other local businesses have weathered the effects of the roadworks for months now. However, the potential boon for the area that this project offers is unmistakable.
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