Salford City Council’s cabinet have today (Tuesday 3 September) hailed a landmark day for rugby in the city after approving the decision to wholly acquire the Salford Community Stadium.
The key approval decision has been taken following months of negotiations. It means that the council will take over full ownership of the stadium and associated development plots of land, located in one of the five growth locations of Greater Manchester.
The deal will now see the council buy the remaining 50 per cent of The Peel Group’s shares in the Salford Community Stadium Limited – which is currently jointly owned by Salford City Council and The Peel Group.
The stadium is already home to Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks, as well as hosting the Rugby League World Cup and the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.
The decision, heralded as a landmark step in securing the future of rugby in the city by Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, is at the heart of the city’s new Rugby Strategy and Sports and Leisure Strategy which are currently being developed.
The decision forms part of the council’s key priorities for the next four years as outlined in the authority’s Corporate Plan, focusing on creating a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all.
The acquisition follows the council’s strategy of making positive, bold decisions for the city, including supporting other sports and culture. This has included recent investment in tennis, futsal and gym facilities, assisting grassroots clubs’ development, as well positioning the city as a culture hotspot through the funding of millions into The Lowry, the BBC Philharmonic and RHS Bridgewater.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “It is a momentous and truly exciting day for the city. This landmark decision is the beginning of a new future for the stadium and the clubs that call it home. It helps to secure their future, in particular Salford Red Devils, but also the future of rugby across the city.
“Yes, rugby is at the heart of this decision, but there are so many more benefits that just make this decision a sensible one. It’s a decision also rooted in strategic redevelopment, regeneration, skills and work and job opportunities, health and well-being, community engagement and supporting grassroots sports.
“Through sole ownership we’ll be able to open up this area of the city for future redevelopment and regeneration of the adjacent development land plots. This will create new jobs, deliver social value and attract significant private sector investment, all of which will be vital for the city and local communities.
“We’ll be able to further support clubs from Salford Red Devils and Swinton Lions, right down to the hugely important grassroots clubs via the community pitches at the stadium and through our Rugby Strategy.
“I’m extremely proud of the decision today. This is the most important step in the process to acquire the stadium and I’d like to thank fellow councillors and council staff and partners for their support and hard work in getting to this point.”
Seen as a great deal for the city and the council, the decision is also supported by other key partners.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “This is fantastic news for Salford and for rugby fans across Greater Manchester. Mayor Dennett and Salford City Council have taken an important step to protect our city-region’s great sporting heritage and unlock new opportunities for growth and regeneration.
“The Salford Community Stadium is not just a sports venue – it’s a community asset, and a symbol of our passion and ambition for both codes of the game. Together with the other iconic grounds in Greater Manchester, it is proof that this is the sporting capital of the country.
“This is a proud moment for Salford, for rugby, and for all of us who love this great sport.”
Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor, Salford University said: “This landmark decision represents a significant step forward in the regeneration of Salford, providing a state-of-the-art venue that will not only host elite sports but also serve as a hub for community engagement and development.
“The stadium will play a crucial role in fostering local pride, driving economic growth, and creating opportunities for all. We celebrate this milestone and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our city and its future.”
