SalfordOnline

Salford planners have given the go ahead for new homes on a derelict industrial site alongside the Bridgewater Canal which Labour hopes will herald the historic canal’s transformation.

Outline permission has been given to Arndale Properties Management Ltd for up to 175 new homes on the site of the former GUS warehouse in Eccles.

Cllr Paula Boshell, who represents the Winton area, said: “This is great news. We have a Bridgewater Canal masterplan which aims to make the canal a focus for tourism, recreation and waterside living.

“This is one of a number of old industrial sites which have blocked access to the canal and stood in the way of environmental improvements. This plan for housing will open up the canal and and heralds its transformation to deliver our vision.”

The proposal will include a new waterside footpath and cycleway which will link areas of public open space. Surrounding residential areas will be connected to the canal by new routes through the site.

The canal stretches for five miles in Salford from its boundary with Wigan at Boothstown to Barton Bridge. It joins the communities of Boothstown, Worsley, Monton, Patricroft and Barton.

Salford City Council has worked with the Bridgewater Canal Trust and owners Peel to promote the Bridgewater Way to provide a better link between those communities.

This has included towpath improvements. Lisa Stone, Labour candidate in Eccles, said: “Our decision to invest in the scheme has helped to improve the environment and attractiveness of the village.”

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the canal built by the Duke of Bridegwater to transport coal from Worsley to the mills of Manchester, literally fuelling the industrial revolution.



Source: Salford Labour

Image: Councillor Paula Boshell on the Bridgewater Canal towpath


Editor's note:
SalfordOnline will also be shooting 'A History of the Bridgewater Canal' to celebrate the 250th anniversary, complete with a filmed trip down the canal from Worsley through to central Manchester.

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Comment by Seadog  4th April 2011 Three cheers for the planners. This wise decision to capitalise on the wonderful resource the canal provides must be yet another nail in the coffin of the ill-conceived incinerator proposal.

Comment by Salfordian  4th April 2011 PS. Is there anything of value that Peel Holdings don't own in the Salford Council areas? I didn't realise they owned the bloody canal as well!

Comment by Salfordian  4th April 2011 Well said that man, come on now Paula I can't believe anyone can support both new housing and a lung polluting incinerator just across the canal. Tell us you view as a local area council member, you must read these comments so let's hear from you.

Comment by Monty  4th April 2011 Will Cllr Paula Boshell now confirm the council's stance on the proposed Green Lane Incinerator? Surely this has to be scrapped following this housing news!