City’s Community Stadium fate sealed by Council’s decisive action

Salford City Council has made the decision to take full ownership of the Salford Community Stadium, marking a significant development for rugby, sport, and leisure in the city. The council currently owns 50% of the stadium and its assets, including parking areas and training pitches. With full ownership, the council will have complete control over the stadium and the surrounding development land, allowing them to shape the future of the area. This decision is seen as a positive step for the regeneration of the western gateway, an important growth location for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Mayor Andy Burnham. Detailed negotiations are underway to finalize the acquisition. The stadium, which is home to the Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks, opened in 2012 and has already hosted major rugby events. The council believes that taking full ownership of the stadium will enable them to deliver on their strategic plans and contribute to the city’s cultural heritage. The acquisition is expected to create jobs, generate social value, and attract private sector investment. It also presents an opportunity to further engage the community and promote health and wellbeing through sports and leisure activities. The council’s decision is seen as a significant milestone in the city’s sporting and leisure assets, following previous successes such as landing the Royal Horticultural Society’s fifth National Garden and the BBC’s Philharmonic Orchestra. Salford Red Devils’ Managing Director and the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League have expressed their support for the council’s decision, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the club and the broader community. Sale Sharks’ Chief Executive also welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the opportunity to create a hub for rugby in the north and support the development of top-level sport in the region.