Improvements planned following Pendleton Way closure

On Monday 2 July, Salford City Council formally closed Pendleton Way to through traffic, marking the first step toward further significant investment in the area. The closure has allowed Salford Estates, the owners of Salford Shopping Centre, and Tesco to work in conjunction with the council to bring forward major improvements that will transform the busy road into a new and vibrant public space. The plans for the public space include new high quality paving, green spaces, public seating areas and a central main square featuring public art. This will create an enhanced shopping experience between Salford Shopping Centre and the Tesco foodstore, linking the two together to the benefit of both shoppers and businesses. Together with the planned improvements to Salford Shopping Centre and the completion of the new Tesco store in November 2012, these proposals will transform the area into a premier shopping destination for the people of Salford. Debbie Illingworth, spokesperson for Salford Estates said: “The closure of Pendleton Way allows us to begin delivering the significant investment the area needs. The plans for the public realm have been drawn up in partnership with the council and Tesco to give Salford the very best shopping environment.” “Securing the closure of this road has been a top priority for us for a number of years, and we are now in a position to put our vision into practice. The plans will create a vibrant and considerably more attractive environment for shoppers visiting both the Salford Shopping Centre and Tesco. Our plans will also benefit local businesses and market traders at the centre as the location becomes even more attractive to shoppers.” Matthew Magee, Tesco Corporate Affairs manager commented: “We are pleased that Pendleton Way has now been shut, helping to create what will be a fantastic pedestrian-friendly heart for Pendleton. We want to see a thriving shopping area here in Salford and this is a key element which we hope, alongside our investment, will encourage further regeneration.” Councillor John Warmisham local Langworthy Ward Councillor said: “The closure of Pendleton Way offers an exciting opportunity to create a new public area linking Salford Shopping Centre with the new Tesco development. This will support the ongoing regeneration of Pendleton.” Cars will still be able to access the Salford Shopping Centre car park on Pendleton Way via a new entrance at the top of Pendleton Way, near to Rossall Way. This will ensure it is business as usual for traders in the centre while improvement works are carried out. The improvement work will begin in August 2012 with completion at the end of October 2012 and in time for the opening of the new Tesco store.