LONG-NEGLECTED WALKWAY LINKING TWO CITIES SET TO BE TRANSFORMED

A long-neglected footpath linking Salford with Manchester city centre is set to be transformed as part of the Bee Network at a cost of more than £150,000.

Salford city council’s procurement board is set to approve the Ordsall Chord Riverside Footpath Improvement scheme when its procurement board meets on Wednesday.

Lancashire Engineering Ltd will be awarded the contract with professional fees of £18,000.

Cash for the scheme is coming from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF).

A report to the board said: “The pathway along the River Irwell has been closed off for many years for a number of reasons, including unsafe surface conditions.”

It said the proposed works include resurfacing the footpath, installing a safety handrail, lighting and signage.

If approved, work on the site will begin in September and will be completed before the end of the year.

The Ordsall Chord riverside connection scheme was one of eight projects included in a package that sought MCF funding to complete an integrated network of walking and cycling routes and public spaces – the Bee Network.

“The emerging city centre network provides high levels of connectivity and this scheme contributes to the network by providing a supplementary walking route, connecting to the busy Bee Network routes that link the Irwell River Park walkway on both Salford and Manchester side,” the report said. 

“It will transform the riverside walkway into a safe, attractive and welcoming environment for local residents and those accessing Salford central (railway station).”

The site is on the riverside pathway below the Orsdall Chord from Stephenson’s Viaduct in the south to the canal inlet just beyond Princes Bridge.

Meanwhile, Manchester city council and the company Allied London are proposing a new riverside route and public spaces to complement the St John’s and Factory Art Centre development with connections to Spinningfields and Castlefield.

The English Cities Fund has already provided a new green space and riverside route for the Novella development at New Bailey. This will connect the new public space created by Network Rail under the Ordsall Chord and onward to Salford Quays.

“Improving and reopening this short section will complete the missing link to the riverside connection providing a safe and continuous route between Salford and Manchester city centres,” the report added.

“The opening up of this section will provide a safe traffic free connection to Salford Central Station and the new and emerging neighbourhoods in New Bailey and Middlewood Locks.”