Salford studio where Elbow recorded Mercury Prize album could be ‘crowded out’ by new skyscrapers

High-rise development in the historic Greengate area of Salford is at risk of engulfing the studio where the iconic band Elbow recorded and a pub which is one of the only remaining venues in the city for live music.

That was the fear voiced by Coun John Warmisham as he and his colleagues gave full approval for a 41-storey tower that will provide 518 ‘high-quality’ new homes.

The skyscraper ‘Parkside’ will be the third tower, alongside Bankside and Cortland, to complete the Colliers Yard neighbourhood. Coun Warmisham told Salford’s planning and transportation regulatory panel: “My worry is that we’ve got the old lamp-oil shop, the Eagle Inn, and it’s being crowded. 

“It is one of the only pubs left that does gigs. It’s a historic pub and one of the last that puts on live music. “There’s also the Blueprint Studio which is used by a lot of local bands and where Elbow have recorded albums [Leaders of the Free World and Mercury-winner The Seldom Seen Kid].”

Chair of the panel Coun Ray Mashiter responded: “I hope Blueprint don’t feel that they are going to be forced out. We feel our cultural heritage asses will be boosted in this area [by the development].”

Coun Phil Cusack said: “I note we’ve established the principle of high-rise development in this area. Its advantage is that it meets demand around the urban core. Most of the new buildings around this centre have already been occupied.  “This is environmentally very sound as it reduces care use and increases pedestrians.”

But he added: “I do lament the lack of affordable housing, but it’s mitigated by the contribution of the public realm. It’s an absolutely appropriate [development] for a 21st-century world city.”

The public realm by developer Renaker will include Boulevard East, Queen Street, Greengate, New Bond Street and Collier Street for vehicles; Boulevard West for pedestrians; Collier Square for small-scale events and a public park known as Greengate Park.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted Guy Garvey, the singer of Elbow for comment.