The home stadium of Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks rugby clubs is a step closer to being under the full ownership of the local city council. This follows a Salford city council cabinet meeting today which agreed on a ‘statement of strategic intent’ for buying 100 per cent of what would become the City of Salford Community Stadium (CoSCoS). What is currently the AJ Bell Stadium is jointly owned by the authority and Peel, but the land and property giant wants to sell its share. A report from city mayor Paul Dennett to the meeting says that outstanding debt on the stadium currently stands at £37m, but the council has been paid back £11m since it was built and that money is being held back as a ‘contingency’ in case further work is needed. But Conservative opposition leader Robin Garrido has objected strongly to the plan and has claimed the city council’s bid for full ownership may be ‘illegal’. He does not sit on the cabinet but attended the meeting as a member of the public. Mr Dennett told the cabinet that the stadium was ‘part of what we are delivering in that part of the city [in Eccles]’: “We had huge land challenges when it was being built because it was a brownfield site. “Peel have been keen to pursue a sale [of their 50pc share] of the stadium for some time to remove themselves as a joint venture partner.” But he went on: “This isn’t a decision to purchase the stadium, it’s a decision around the direction of travel in terms of where Salford city council is moving and going. “This is about delivering social value in accordance with our economic strategy. We do believe that local authorities should be owning assets, rather than what’s been going on over the 13 years where councils up and down the country have had to sell off assets to balance their budgets. Local authorities should be asset-owning entities.” He said that the intention to buy the stadium was about ‘the future development and regeneration in that area of the city’: “This is about securing a home for Salford Red Devils. It’s fair to acknowledge the cultural contribution they make to the city as they prepare to celebrate 150 years as a club, supporting mental health and people with disabilities [in the community].” However, speaking after the meeting, Councillor Garrido told the Local Democracy Service he had ‘no doubt’ the stadium would end up in the full ownership of the city council but added: "We’ve got to make it as uncomfortable as possible. I’ve already received dozens of emails from people who are aghast that they are going to spend millions on the stadium. “If this was a viable situation, why do Peel want to sell their share of the stadium? Why are they desperate to get rid of it? Because it’s a white elephant hanging around their neck. “Peel don’t get rid of anything that makes money, and I understand that.” About The Club Salford Red Devils, based Now based at their new home at Salford City Stadium in Salford, are a prominent rugby league team with a strong presence in the sport. Established in 1873, the club has a distinguished history playing at their former ground 'The Willows' and has been a fixture in the Rugby Football League (RFL) for many years. The Red Devils have undergone various transformations and rebranding efforts over the years, but they continue to be a significant force in the world of rugby league. Known for their passionate supporters and competitive spirit, Salford Red Devils have left an indelible mark on the sport's landscape. For the latest updates on Salford Red Devils, including news, match schedules, player profiles, and community outreach initiatives, you can visit their official club website: Salford Red Devils. This website serves as a central hub for fans to stay connected with the team's activities and progress. Whether you're a dedicated supporter or just curious about the Red Devils' journey, their website offers valuable insights into the club's history and its ongoing efforts in the world of rugby league.
