Salford City Council Approves Plans to Explore Mayoral Development Zone for Western Gateway

In a landmark decision today (28 January), Salford City Council approved a report to explore the creation of a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) in the Western Gateway area. This move is poised to unlock significant investment, growth, and job opportunities, setting the stage for one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in the city’s history.

The approval was granted during a Cabinet meeting, where Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett and senior council members signed off on the plans. The proposed MDZ will be situated within the Western Gateway, a strategically important area in the city that encompasses the Liverpool Road and M62 corridors, as well as the route along the Manchester Ship Canal.

The MDZ proposal is part of a wider, collaborative effort involving the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Trafford Council. This cross-borough approach will not only deliver thousands of new job opportunities but also inject a massive economic boost into the region through extensive regeneration and development.

A Step Towards Realising Ambitions for the Western Gateway

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasising that the Western Gateway and Port Salford have long been central to the council's vision for the city’s future. “Realising the full potential of the Western Gateway and Port Salford and driving significant growth and economic benefit has long been a key aspiration for the city council,” he said.

The plans for the MDZ include the development of new employment spaces, residential areas, and leisure and retail facilities, providing a well-rounded mix of growth opportunities. The project aligns with Salford’s broader corporate goals of fostering "good growth"—growth that is fair, green, healthy, and inclusive.

Dennett added, “This much-needed redevelopment and subsequent growth will not happen overnight, but this step is an important and exciting one as it moves our aspirations for this area of the city closer to becoming a reality.”

MDZ: A Strategic Catalyst for Regeneration

An MDZ is a defined area where a mayor can channel investment and development efforts to regenerate and revitalise the locality. The MDZ designation will provide clear governance, resources, and a dedicated work programme, all aimed at unlocking key development sites within the Western Gateway.

This initiative is crucial for Greater Manchester's long-term economic strategy, with the Western Gateway identified as one of six growth locations in the region. To fully realise its potential, the area requires substantial investments in both highway and rail infrastructure—an essential prerequisite for boosting connectivity and enabling future development.

Port Salford: A Key Focus for Growth

Port Salford is at the heart of the city’s planned regeneration. Already, Phase 1 of the Port Salford development has been approved to construct a multi-modal freight interchange with 1,600,000 sqft of warehousing space, positioning it to become the only inland tri-modal port in the UK.

This ambitious project builds on the 2012 government funding that helped finance the initial development of up to 55,000 sqm of space at Port Salford, with the first phase completed in 2017 and occupied by Great Bear Logistics.

Looking forward, the Port Salford Phase 2 expansion, along with the development of land at the City of Salford Community Stadium, will provide the opportunity to deliver up to 511,000 sqm of new employment floorspace, generate 5,790 new jobs, and contribute an estimated £6.4 million in business rates.

A Collaborative Effort for Growth

The approval of the MDZ exploration report follows a similar decision made by Trafford Council’s executive on 27 January. This approval will now be presented to the GMCA executive on 31 January for a final decision.

The proposed MDZ marks a significant milestone in Salford’s ongoing efforts to drive regeneration, create jobs, and position the city as a leading hub for business and innovation. By working together with GMCA and Trafford, Salford is making bold strides towards a future of inclusive and sustainable growth.

For investors and developers looking for exciting opportunities in a rapidly growing city, the Western Gateway and Port Salford are set to become some of the most sought-after locations in the region. The potential for investment in infrastructure, residential, and commercial developments is vast, making it an area to watch closely in the coming years.