Plans to create a series of riverside walking and cycling routes connecting Salford Quays and the city centre are set to take a huge step forward next week.
Salford council’s Irwell River Park scheme aims to transform an 8km stretch of the River Irwell from the Quays to Peel Park into a ‘vibrant and accessible urban park’ for residents and visitors to enjoy.
This would offer cyclists and pedestrians a safe way to navigate stretches of the city and could help to get more people moving.
The vision is set to move forward next week with a new ‘connectivity and movement strategy’ set to be approved by Salford city mayor Paul Dennett and his cabinet team.
This sets out a series of measures to be used as guidance for developers working along the river, and when applying for funding to support the scheme.
A key part of the plan is to create an ‘uninterrupted’ place to walk and cycle near the river, that can be easily reached from local neighbourhoods and public transport.
It also calls to ‘celebrate the rich history’ of the river and its significance in Greater Manchester, as well as making sure that the routes are a place that anyone can access.
The strategy is set to be approved during a council’s cabinet meeting on March 8.
Coun Mike McCusker, Salford council’s lead for planning, transport and sustainable development, said: “Our proposal for Irwell River Park is an exciting project that reflects our vision to improve movement and connectivity in Salford through a series of walking and cycling routes, public spaces and nature-rich environments.
“As part of the city’s regeneration and the council’s broader goals of creating a greener, fairer, and healthier city, we want to create a vibrant and sustainable place that people can enjoy, engage with nature and connect with their city’s rich history.”
