A trendy new spot with pop-up food stands and drinks could open in one of Salford’s historic buildings.
Plans to transform a grade-II listed arch on Gore Street next to Salford Central train station have been submitted to the council by The Arch Company.
Concept images show the inside area kitted out with benches alongside tables and chairs, with pop-up food stands for visitors to choose from.
Space inside the building was once used for parking and storage, but the new plans hope to convert it into a new hang-out spot in the city, with developers anticipating ‘strong demand’ for the site from food and drink traders.
Located right next to the train station, it could be used by commuters as well as local residents in Greengate and Manchester city centre if the designs are approved.
Inside the arch, massive cast iron columns support the viaduct overhead, and plans for the site include carrying out repairs and cleaning to the brickwork.
Planning reports state that the viaduct was the first to be built at Salford Station in 1844 by Sir John Hawkshaw, the engineer for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.
Developers said in a planning statement: ‘The strategic development will provide a scheme, which will enable an important economic investment in the area. Furthermore, the application proposals are considered to be sympathetic to the listed status of the Arch.’
Salford council has set a target date of October 15 this year to decide the plans.
Upgrades have also been taking place at Salford Central station by Network Rail working with Transport for Greater Manchester to modernise the station in a £10m overhaul.
A new ticket office on the lower level of the station is now open, and new accessible toilets are on the way, as well as improving the ramps to the platform.
