The massive regeneration project known as the Western Gateway could result in thousands of new homes being built – and create fresh spaces for businesses – according to plans from Salford and Trafford councils in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
The Western Gateway project spans both boroughs, following the Manchester Ship Canal from Old Trafford through Port Salford to Carrington. Key locations on both sides of the waterway have been earmarked for transformation.
This area has been selected as one of six key growth locations in Greater Manchester, identified as hotspots for significant economic development.
Project leaders believe that this initiative could revolutionise the areas, bringing numerous benefits to local residents and attracting new businesses to the region. They also aim to secure investment for several transport and infrastructure upgrades, which are crucial to the plans.
Salford city mayor Paul Dennett and his cabinet team discussed the Western Gateway scheme in January. It was revealed that the project could generate over 5,000 new jobs in the city and inject more than £6m into Salford through business rates.
A new report by Salford council indicates that some of the funding for the Western Gateway project will be 'subject to the individual site business cases,' and sourced from 'appropriate investment sources that fit with the intended purpose. '.
An evaluation by Ekosgen in 2023 revealed that the Western Gateway could generate over 21,000 new jobs in total.
The ambitious project is anticipated to receive support from Salford council at its upcoming cabinet meeting on June 10, a vital step towards advancing the plans.
The proposal will then be presented to Trafford council's executive on June 16, with the documents set to be published this Friday (June 6).
A report from Salford council on the project has unveiled the immense scale of transformation that could be achieved.
Port Salford, located on the Manchester Ship Canal, is a crucial component of the plans.
The site is poised to be transformed into a massive distribution hub with ship, rail, and land access, including connections to the Manchester-Liverpool railway line and the M62.
Planning permission for phase one of the work at the port, encompassing 115,000 sqm of commercial space in the terminal building, and sheds two, three and four, is already granted.
Phase two of Port Salford aims to expand even further, adding an additional 320,000 sqm of commercial space, which is included in Greater Manchester's Places for Everyone plan, to be designated as an employment site from the greenbelt.
However, the report indicates that these changes are 'highly dependent' on enhancing access to the port, necessitating the construction of new slip roads from the M60 and a new rail terminal.
Eccles, where Salford council is spearheading a scheme to revitalise the town centre, is another key element of the Western Gateway.
The council acquired Eccles Shopping Centre in 2022 for £4.15m, amid concerns over increasing numbers of vacant shops and declining footfall.
A significant redevelopment is on the cards, with the aim of revitalising the town's future. Demolition work at the shopping centre commenced in March, with bulldozers brought in to demolish 14 retail units, a multi-storey car park, and a hall that once hosted an indoor market.
The replacement for the shopping centre is yet to be determined, but the council anticipates appointing a development partner to begin drafting designs later this year.
The third area of development within Salford is the land surrounding Salford Community Stadium, which the council purchased for £7.7m last year from former co-owners Peel. The intention is to utilise the land around the stadium for development, establishing a new business hub.
Several regeneration sites in Trafford are included in the Western Gateway plans, according to a report by Salford council.
Trafford Waters, located within TraffordCity, is poised to become a new residential community featuring 3,000 homes, along with amenities such as a health centre, a hotel and offices.
Outline planning permission has been granted for the 3,000 homes, as well as 87,000 sqm of office and commercial space, a hotel, and a care home.
However, the completion of future work at Trafford Waters hinges on improvements to access, including around Port Salford.
The Trafford Civic Quarter is a key component of the project, with plans in place to construct 4,000 new homes and 50,000 sqm of commercial spaces across a sprawling 55-hectare site.
Parts of this development are already under construction, such as Lumina Village, a community of 639 homes, while other projects are in the pipeline at the former Centrica Site and the previous Greater Manchester Police headquarters building.
Several schemes in TraffordCity, valued at over £300m, aim to transform the area into a leading tourist destination within the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
One of the significant developments is the Therme Spa, a leisure space covering 1.5 hectares with a floorspace of 62,000 sqm, which has received planning permission and work has already commenced on site.
New Carrington has been identified as a major growth area in Trafford for the coming decade, with plans for 5,000 new homes and 350,000 sqm of business space by the 2040s.
Approximately 2,000 homes have already begun construction after receiving planning permission, but Salford council's report indicates there is a funding requirement for the 3.5 km Carrington Relief Road, deemed 'essential for delivering the consented and future schemes. '.
A planning application for the road is expected to be submitted later in the summer of 2025, the report added, with its progression dependent on securing funds from the government, with construction potentially commencing in 2027/28.
Ambitious regeneration plans for Old Trafford are set to be driven by a dedicated Mayoral Development Corporation, which falls within the Western Gateway area. The plans include Manchester United's proposal for a new 100,000-seater stadium, accompanied by a wharfside masterplan aiming to deliver up to 5,000 homes.
The overall regeneration scheme could potentially yield 17,000 new homes. However, a report by Salford council highlights a funding shortfall related to transport infrastructure and land assembly, specifically concerning the potential relocation of rail freight.
The report adds that the closure of the heavy rail station poses a significant constraint to growth, and reopening it would greatly benefit the development.
Salford city mayor Paul Dennett commented: "The proposals for The Western Gateway Development Zone (WGDZ) are very dynamic and can bring significant inclusive growth and economic benefits to both Salford, Trafford and Greater Manchester.
"This is an important opportunity to strategically focus on development activity across our city with our partners to create jobs, homes and employment space as well as retail and leisure space."
Coun Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council, said: "We will lobby National Highways on infrastructure requirements for the North. Previous studies reported congestion issues on the M60 and M62 and highlighted recommendations on new corridor packages to ease this congestion.
"The overall aim of our WGDZ is to optimise the growth to deliver a significant contribution to regional and national economic outcomes, while also creating a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city. These are exciting times, as we work strategically to make our aspirations become a reality that local people can benefit from.
"We are delighted to be working together with our partners at Salford City Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on this transformative plan to supercharge investment and improvement across a huge area.
"In Trafford, the focus ranges from Stretford town centre, and the Civic Quarter, to New Carrington, Partington and Trafford Waters.
"It will bring together the exciting regeneration and developments already under way, creating thousands of new eco-friendly homes and quality jobs.
"We will see a whole range of opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors, to make the most our vibrant, well-connected locations and great transport network."
