Empty Salford railway arches could be transformed into “exciting” and “unique” destination in new vision

A row of empty railway arches in Salford could be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ new space with food and drinks stalls, an art gallery, and a microbrewery. Plans for the revamp have been submitted to the council by PL North Bridge to create an “exciting” and “unique” destination in the Greengate area.

The plan is linked to a separate application by the same developer to build a 41-storey apartment block next to the arches, creating 568 new “co-living units” in the neighbourhood. Eight arches which support the train line running to Manchester Victoria station are included in the scheme, and the viaduct above the site is linked to the Grade II listed Stephenson Bridge.

The arches could be used by a range of businesses but the application has highlighted plans for market stalls, bars, craft workshops, and other types of shops and restaurants. Some of the space could be used for waste and cycle storage linked to the co-living development.

The arches are in a “poor condition” with mismatching entrances which are having a ” negative” impact on the character of the area, according to the planning statement. A new “lighting concept” could be included as part of the designs with scattered lighting in the floor lead people through the area.

The developer hopes the plans could help draw people to the site from other areas of Greater Manchester to enjoy the atmosphere and range of food and drinks spaces on offer.

The Greengate neighbourhood is undergoing massive changes at the moment, with the council trying to create an area which is “more Brooklyn than Manhattan” where people from around Greater Manchester and beyond want to live.

The area is part of the historic core of Salford and sits just a short walk from Manchester city centre over the river Irwell. With the application linked to a co-living space, it could take up to two years before the work is completed and the spaces are able to open.