Salford aligns with Manchester and Trafford over plans for Mayoral Development Zone

A Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) for Salford is a step closer after the council today (January 28) approved a report to explore the opportunities and benefits of such a scheme.

It is argued it could pave the way for significant investment and growth in a key part of the city.

The decision was made at Cabinet with Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, and senior elected members signing off on the proposed plans.

Councillors supported the plans for an MDZ within the wider Western Gateway area of the city. The Western Gateway refers to the west part of the city, the area surrounding the Liverpool Road and M62 corridors and along the route of the Manchester Ship Canal.

The ambitious plans are part of a cross-borough approach with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Trafford Council and could see thousands of job opportunities created alongside the huge economic boost that could be realised from regeneration through the MDZ.

Paul Dennett said: “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.

“Across Salford and Trafford there is the potential to generate thousands of new jobs, capitalising on planned employment space, new homes, as well as leisure and retail.

“Good growth is one of the cornerstones of our priorities, outlined in our corporate plan, This is our Salford, and these plans represent our commitment to delivering on our ambitions to create a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city.”

He 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.

Source: Neil Hodgson  'The Business Desk'