All you need to know about the big changes coming to popular Greater Manchester canal

Improvements are coming to Mariner’s Canal, based between Anchorage tram stop and the area around the Lowry Theatre.

The first phase of works is set to bring more greenery and community spaces to the canal, which is part of a continuous walking route around the Quays.

A contract worth £200,000 has been awarded by the council to move things forward.

Work is due to start in February and last around 12 weeks, and the cash to pay for it will come from the council’s capital programme.

Salford council’s deputy mayor Jack Youd said: “The initial transformation will focus on the south-western paddle near the Water Sports Centre and the western side of the canal south of Grain Wharf Bridge.

“Plans include larger planting beds designed with local groups to boost biodiversity.

“Existing trees will be removed as part of the scheme, with an equal number of more suitable species replanted, improving visibility and protecting the long-term health and beauty of the avenue.”

Mariner’s Canal runs alongside a residential waterfront in the Quays, which connects some of the canal basins.

The lower path at Mariner’s Canal will be temporarily closed when work begins, but the higher route will still be open with diversions in place.

A total of 17 trees along the route will be removed as part of the scheme, with 17 new trees to be planted to replace them.

The project website explained: ‘The trees along the avenue have reached a point where they’re struggling to thrive in this location.

‘Some have already been removed for safety reasons, and others are showing signs of stress and disease.

‘To protect the long-term health and beauty of the avenue, we need to take action. Doing nothing would mean further decline over time.’

The council said that overgrown trees can make ‘hidden spaces’ which makes it harder to spot anti-social behaviour using CCTV.