Salford City Council will wholly purchase the former AJ Bell Stadium, home to Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks, in a move hailed by Mayor Paul Dennett as securing the future of rugby in the city.
Currently the council owns 50% of the Salford Community Stadium Limited, which is currently jointly owned by Salford City Council and The Peel Group.
But the move will see the stadium and surrounding plots of land brought into the council’s ownership. Mayor Dennett said the move is important for sport but will bring other benefits.
He said: “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.
He added that there are opportunities for the council to pursue redevelopment and regeneration in the area.
“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.
“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.
Managing Director of Salford Red Devils, Paul King, said: “It’s great news that the Council have now taken the decision to fully acquire the Stadium.
“It’s been a long road to get to this point, and the decision is another step towards a sustainable and bright future for Salford Red Devils.
“We look forward to sitting down with the Council and Sale Sharks and agreeing a tenancy deal that works for us all and secures the long-term future of rugby league in our City.
“Our attentions now turn to this Saturday where we welcome Catalans to Salford for our final home game of the 2024 regular season. It would be simply fantastic to see those who have supported us so loyally through this period with smiles on their faces, celebrating today’s news together”.
The stadium, which is now known as the Salford Community Stadium, will host the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham also praised the decision, saying: “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.”
The Salford Community Stadium in Barton-upon-Irwell was built to replace Salford rugby league club’s ground, The Willows, for the 2012 season.
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