A new dawn for the port of Salford?

Port of Salford

The port of Salford, a significant distribution zone forming part of the Atlantic Gateway and contributing to the redevelopment strategy for the North West of England, has received approval for its plans.

Property giant Peel L&P originally obtained permission for the development, known as Port Salford, back in 2009.

The initial plans included extensive warehousing, road infrastructure, a new rail link, and a cargo shipping wharf.

At its core, the Atlantic Gateway project aims to create a state-of-the-art distribution zone with extensive infrastructure and transportation links.

The Port of Salford, located along the Manchester Ship Canal, plays a pivotal role in facilitating cargo shipping and trade operations. The project involves the construction of two berths on the ship canal, enabling efficient handling of goods and fostering connectivity with national and international markets.

Atlantic Gateway project updates

However, the company has recently made amendments to the proposals, which now involve extending the grass runway at City Airport (formerly Barton Aerodrome) into a small area of the green belt.

Manchester Ship Canal

The revised scheme comprises the construction of two berths along the Manchester Ship Canal, a 17-hectare multi-modal terminal, and parking spaces for 540 cars and 530 lorries.

Additionally, a new junction onto the A57 will be created, along with rerouting Salteye Brook and implementing strengthening works on the ship canal.

Manchester-Liverpool railway line connection

The development also includes a new north-south branch line connecting Port Salford to the Manchester-Liverpool railway line. However, the original plan for two chords in the eastern part of the scheme has been dropped, and a bridge will be built to carry the rail line across the A57 Liverpool Road.

Construction of the rail link is expected to commence in the near future.

Western Gateway Infrastructure Scheme

Furthermore, the Western Gateway Infrastructure Scheme, which is part of the approved plans, entails the construction of a new link road between the A57 Liverpool Road and Trafford Way, as well as a new crossing over the Ship Canal east of the M60 Barton Bridge, allowing traffic to bypass Peel Green.

The alignment of the “Eccles Definitive Footpath 28” will be altered to accommodate the changes to the rail link, following the eastern boundary of the airport.

Plans for the Port of Salford and the associated infrastructure have been approved by councillors without comment, and no objections have been raised against the scheme.

The development of this extensive distribution zone is set to contribute to the growth and economic prosperity of the region, providing enhanced transportation and logistics capabilities for businesses operating in the area

The Atlantic Gateway project promises a range of advantages, including improved transportation, expanded trade opportunities, job creation, economic growth, urban regeneration, sustainability, regional collaboration, and optimised supply chains. These benefits position the region for long-term prosperity and competitiveness in national and international markets.