Council deal to buy Salford stadium formally approved

Salford City Council’s cabinet have today (Tuesday 3 September) formally approved a decision to wholly acquire the Salford Community Stadium, home of Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks.

The key approval decision has been taken following months of negotiations. It means that the council will take over full ownership of the AJ Bell stadium, as it is currently known, and associated development plots of land, which it believes has more potential than has been appreciated.

Described by Salford Mayor Paul Dennett as a “landmark” deal it will see mark the end of The Peel Group’s interest in the site, close to other land interests such as Barton Airfield and the Trafford Centre.

“Through sole ownership we’ll be able to open up this area of the city for future redevelopment and regeneration of the adjacent development land plots. This will create new jobs, deliver social value and attract significant private sector investment, all of which will be vital for the city and local communities,” Dennett said.

The council will buy the remaining 50 per cent of shares in the Salford Community Stadium Limited – which is currently jointly owned by Salford City Council and The Peel Group.

The stadium is already home to Rugby League club Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks, a Premiership Rugby Union club, as well as hosting the Rugby League World Cup and the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.

Dennett, who is a municipal socialist who strongly supports public ownership of community assets said is the deal is also “at the heart of the city’s new Rugby Strategy and Sports and Leisure Strategy which are currently being developed.”

The decision also forms part of the council’s key priorities for the next four years as outlined in the authority’s Corporate Plan, focusing on creating a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all.

The Council has also invested in tennis, futsal and gym facilities, assisting grassroots clubs’ development, as well positioning the city as a culture hotspot through the funding of millions into The Lowry, the BBC Philharmonic and RHS Bridgewater.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “It is a momentous and truly exciting day for the city. This landmark decision is the beginning of a new future for the stadium and the clubs that call it home. It helps to secure their future, in particular Salford Red Devils, but also the future of rugby across the city.

“Yes, rugby is at the heart of this decision, but there are so many more benefits that just make this decision a sensible one. It’s a decision also rooted in strategic redevelopment, regeneration, skills and work and job opportunities, health and well-being, community engagement and supporting grassroots sports.

“We’ll be able to further support clubs from Salford Red Devils and Swinton Lions, right down to the hugely important grassroots clubs via the community pitches at the stadium and through our Rugby Strategy.

“I’m extremely proud of the decision today. This is the most important step in the process to acquire the stadium and I’d like to thank fellow councillors and council staff and partners for their support and hard work in getting to this point.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “This is fantastic news for Salford and for rugby fans across Greater Manchester. Mayor Dennett and Salford City Council have taken an important step to protect our city-region’s great sporting heritage and unlock new opportunities for growth and regeneration.

“The Salford Community Stadium is not just a sports venue – it’s a community asset, and a symbol of our passion and ambition for both codes of the game. Together with the other iconic grounds in Greater Manchester, it is proof that this is the sporting capital of the country.

“This is a proud moment for Salford, for rugby, and for all of us who love this great sport.”

Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor, Salford University said: “This landmark decision represents a significant step forward in the regeneration of Salford, providing a state-of-the-art venue that will not only host elite sports but also serve as a hub for community engagement and development.

“The stadium will play a crucial role in fostering local pride, driving economic growth, and creating opportunities for all. We celebrate this milestone and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our city and its future.”

The small Conservative opposition on Salford City Council vehemently opposed Dennett’s stance and last year “called in” the council’s plan to buy the AJ Bell Stadium from Peel with what they said was “money they council hasn’t got”.

Speaking to TheBusinessDesk.com then, Cllr Robin Garrido said the Salford Red Devils need to repay loans to the council and suggested the club may not be suited for Super League with such a small fanbase.

“Paul Dennett believes in a socialist state owning public buildings. He complains the Council has no money and is suffering from austerity.

“I say the money would be better spent on repairing pot holes in the roads and on community facilities.”

He added: “Salford Red Devils Rugby League club need to get their own house in order and make the club self-supporting, they’ve had every opportunity to make themselves successful with a free stadium that is usually only a third full.”