Plans for two artificial sports pitches, new changing rooms and a wildflower meadow on a stretch of playing fields in Salford have been submitted.
Developers have tabled proposals to provide new pitches and facilities on the David Lewis Playing Fields, next to the University of Salford’s Peel Park campus and Wallness Lane.
The application has been submitted by the Crescent Partnership, which comprises the University of Salford, Salford Council and placemaking partnership the English Cities Fund.
A new 3G all-weather football pitch, along with a 2G all-weather pitch for hockey, tennis and recreational 11-a-side football, would be built on land currently used as grass playing fields.
The application includes plans for new changing facilities, toilets and shelters as well as EV charging and accessible parking and promises more effective signage, footpaths and lighting that “will make the area more welcoming and easier to reach from multiple directions.”
More trees would be planted in the area and a wildflower meadow would be created to boost drainage, developers said.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “These proposals are a fantastic step forward for the Crescent and for community sport in Salford.
“Investing in high-quality, accessible facilities like this will help people of all ages stay active, support local clubs, and create opportunities for students and residents alike.
“This is exactly the kind of partnership-led regeneration we want to see – delivering real health, social and economic benefits for our communities.”
On their website, the university said it will foot the cost of the development: “The University of Salford is investing in these facilities for the benefit of students, staff and the local community.”
Mark Wantling, Chief Infrastructure Officer at University of Salford will lead the transformation should it be given the go-ahead.
He said: “At the University of Salford we are proud of our reputation for the quality of our sports education. We teach everything from Sports Psychology and Science to Sports Business Management.
“Now it’s time to ramp up our commitment to public and community health by providing high-quality facilities which can be used all year round by students, staff, local sports groups, and members of the public.”
If approved, the development will sit alongside the University’s first padel courts.
“Combined with our planned Padel Courts, we are aiming for a major overhaul of our campus sports facilities,” Mr Wantling continued, adding: “It’s another example of how we’re reimagining the Crescent area and surrounding estate with our partners in Crescent Salford.”
The plans have been put forward after a consultation was held with members of the public in February.
Max Bentham, Director of development management at ECF, said that the “upgraded” David Lewis Playing Fields will enable the community to come together to play a wider range of sports.
“New planting and landscaping will support Crescent Salford’s sustainability goals and footpaths, and lighting will make the area more accessible, he said. “This aspect of the masterplan will be key to opening up the University’s campus to the wider community and enabling people to benefit from the upgrades being made.”
More information on the plans can be found here.
