URC cull will not slow Salford’s renewal, says Spicer

BARBARA Spicer, chief executive of Salford City Council, has said that regeneration in the city would continue despite the recent announcement that its Urban Regeneration Company will shortly be wound up.

Speaking at a Downtown Manchester in Business property forum chaired by Frank McKenna last week, Spicer said:  “The URC has been instrumental in driving forward regeneration in Salford and although the organisation itself will close, the relationships we have forged will continue so that projects, such as the Chapel Street regeneration strategy, maintain their momentum.”

Bruntwood’s Roweena Burns identified “communications and digital, environmental management and the strength of the university corridor” as the three key growth areas which would help to continue driving the city-region’s economy.

Architect Ian Simpson said that the Greater Manchester was in “a very fortunate position as there is a real appetite from the banks to lend in Manchester and that is thanks to the outstanding reputation on the city region”.

Simpson added: “The strength that Greater Manchester has over other city regions is an uncompromising shared vision, from the city council right down to all those who operate in the city, everyone believes in it and strives to make it happen.”