Salford City Council’s cabinet is poised to ratify the takeover of the Salford Community Stadium, currently known as the AJ Bell stadium, securing the future of both the Sale Sharks rugby union club and the Salford Red Devils rugby league club.
In February, an agreement was reached to finalise the buyout from Peel. Now, all that remains is a formal decision from the council’s cabinet, scheduled for 3 September. Salford mayor Paul Dennett stated, “We think it’s in our best interest to acquire the company so the city council is solely responsible for the stadium as well as the regeneration of that land around the stadium. It’s about jobs and regenerating that part of the city, something we committed to all those years ago.”
Both Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils have expressed dissatisfaction with their tenancy terms, which, for Salford, posed a threat to their position in the Super League. It is understood that the stadium is valued at approximately £12 million, with the council investing around £6 million to buy Peel’s share. Additionally, the council will assume a £29.7 million debt and £1.7 million share equity in the company operating the venue, as already accounted for in the council’s finances.
Full ownership will grant the council complete control over the stadium, including car parking areas and training pitches, and enable the potential development of land around the site, near the Trafford Centre and Barton Bridge. Despite facing opposition from the Conservative group in the council, Dennett sees this acquisition as a civic amenity that is better managed publicly.
After extensive discussions, Dennett remarked in February that the deal would bring £29 million of social value to Salford. He emphasised, “We’ll be able to recommit to deliver the initial vision of a community stadium for the city and its people. The future will be grounded in a new sports & leisure and rugby strategy, with links to activity, culture and health and wellbeing and fair access and opportunities.” These benefits extend beyond the pitch, with the full development of the site expected to create 790 new jobs, deliver £28 million in social value, and attract £65 million in private sector investment.
Salford City Council’s acquisition of the Salford Community Stadium marks a significant step towards economic and social regeneration, ensuring stability for local sports clubs and promising substantial community benefits.