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   £600k Irwell Park plan approved by Salford Council
by Tom Rodgers
A new two-and-a-half mile walkway from Chapel Street to Salford Quays has been approved for building by the council. The Irwell River Park Routeway will see new 4km (2.5 mile) space for cyclists and pedestrians between Trafford Road Bridge/Exchange Quay and Princes Bridge. The total cost for the project has been set at a maximum of £614,583. The 8km (5 mile) stretch along the river between Salford Quays and The Meadows - next to Salford University's base on Chapel Street - has been targeted for investment by Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company, "drawing on the stunning natural assets of the city and exploiting the beauty of the river." New waterside spaces "will become the stages for cultural and social events, meeting places and spaces to enjoy" say the regeneration company, who have raised £650m to improve Chapel Street in Salford. Salford Council quote a figure of £3bn of economic investment that could be connected between between the Quays and the Meadows, next to Salford University's base on Chapel Street. Described as "Salford’s primary riverside route" the walkway will be paved and well-lit for the first time. The Routeway Improvement Plan, says the report, "is an essential first stage in realising the long term vision for an 8km sustainable transport corridor." But delays or centralised funding cuts could place the project at risk. A significant proportion of the money was raised from a £750,000 budget approved by Council on 17th February 2010 The council hope the walkway and cycleway will "support urban regeneration and community cohesion by improving sustainable and legible connections between Ordsall, Old Trafford and the City Centre." "It will also link the significant investments underway or imminent at the Soapworks, Ordsall and the new commercial quarter at Salford Central, and Chapel Wharf." A large maintenance budget has been proposed for the Irwell Park walkway. This will be paid for by funds leftover from the Irwell River Park Pre-Implementation phase of works; and from the normal highway allocation for maintaining the riverside and canalside routes across the City. £55,000 will be invested in the maintenance of the 'hard' elements of Irwell River Park in 2010/11, with the same amount allocated for the year 2011/12. This will leave a budget of just under £20,000 for the maintenance the rest of the hard works on riverside and canalside walkways across the City of Salford. An additional budget of £74,416 has been set aside for maintenance of soft works: such as sweeping, emptying litter bins and landscaping over the next three years. From 2014 onwards the council estimates that the same maintenance will cost £30,830 per year. Councillor Bill Hinds, Lead Member for Customer and Support Services signed the report. Unless the Sustainable Regeneration Scrutiny Committee calls-in the decision, it will come into force on Wednesday, 1st September, 2010. Photo: Exchange Quay on the River Irwell Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
