The area branded a 'dump' which could be transformed into thriving hub of bars, restaurants and cafes

A scheme to turn 10 railway arches into a thriving hub of bars, restaurants and cafes has been hailed as ‘absolutely fantastic’ by a councillor who said the area was a ‘dump’ when she grew up there.

The plan for the arches fronting onto Norton Street in Greengate – an area undergoing intensive development and growth – was approved by Salford’s planning and transportation regulatory panel.

Coun Jane Hamilton, whose Blackfriars and Trinity ward the development is in, said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic for the area. I grew up there and it was a dump. I welcome it for lots of reasons, for its social value and I know the residents will love it.”

However, Coun Hamilton’s ward colleague, Coun Roseanna Wain, voiced fears over the ‘loss of amenity’ for residents.

“I’m a bit concerned about [lack of] noise restrictions because there are apartments nearby,” she said. “I would also like to see some continuous waste management to make sure the area is maintained well.”

Coun Wain also voice worries over the possible disturbance from delivery vehicles and policing issues. However, chair of the committee Coun Phil Cusack said policing issues were outside the scope of determination by the planning committee. 

Principal planning officer Andrew Williams also responded said that planning conditions would impose a refuse management strategy. On noise, he said that the bars would only be open from 7pm to 10pm and there was a management plan to control ‘noise outbreak’. 

The applicant is The Arch Company which has bought 5,200 railway arches across the country and spent £200million bringing them back into use.