Salford City Council in the UK has approved proposals to create a series of riverside walking and cycling routes linking Salford Quays and the city centre.
The approved plans also include the regeneration of the 8km stretch of the River Irwell into an urban park.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The approved Irwell River Park Connectivity and Movement Strategy, developed after public consultation at the end of 2024, builds upon prior regeneration efforts, with a renewed focus on active travel, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
The strategy outlines several key objectives to enhance the Irwell River Park, including creating a continuous, safe route for walking and cycling, fostering a climate-resilient environment, and developing public spaces that allow nature and people to interact together.
It also aims to make the park accessible and inclusive, celebrating the area’s history and culture.
The Irwell River Park will feature four ‘distinctive character’ zones, each with a specific focus.
The Meadows and Anaconda zone will enhance the green, ecologically rich areas while the Salford City zone will transform the urban landscape with a continuous riverside pathway.
The Ordsall Riverside zone aims to improve narrow paths for safer pedestrian and cyclist use, and the Salford Quays zone will create a landmark destination where people and nature coexist.
Salford City Council lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development and councillor Mike McCusker said: “The plans that have been approved for Irwell River Park 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, over the next decade we want to create a vibrant and sustainable place that people can enjoy. Our aspiration is that the area will become an essential part of daily life in Salford, where residents can live healthier lives, engage with nature and connect with their city’s rich history.”
Earlier in March this year, Salford City Council approved a new £250m ($322.6m) data centre at the Halo West location of Peel Waters in Salford, Greater Manchester.
