The two cities of Salford and Manchester have always shared a close bond, with a history intrinsically linked to the River Irwell and the boundary between them.
Now with the opening of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the Irwell, this bond is further cemented and a new route between the cities created.
It was officially opened today by Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig and Jill Stephenson, Principal Development Manager at Network Rail following recent development work on either side of the bridge.
The footbridge, a £12 million investment by Network Rail is part of the Ordsall Chord scheme, whilst the new public space improvements, is a joint development between Salford and Manchester City Councils. The Ordsall Chord scheme saw the creation of a new, short railway line and River Irwell crossing between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria stations, designed to increase capacity and reduce journey times into and through Manchester.
The previous Prince’s Bridge was demolished to make way for the creation of the Ordsall Chord and installation of the new railway line over the Irwell. Additional improvements on the Salford side also includes interpretation panels, which tell the story behind perhaps the Irwell’s most famous crossing, Stephenson Bridge. The bridge, a Grade 1 listed building was built by George Stephenson in 1830 and formed part of the world’s first passenger railway line, carrying passengers between Liverpool and Manchester.
This new crossing of the River Irwell, creates a new route between the two cities and specifically to Manchester’s new world-class arts venue Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International. Visitors will get a first glimpse of its interior today as Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s blockbuster show You, Me and The Balloons – celebrating three decades of her giant inflatable opens in its vast warehouse space to kick off Manchester International Festival 2023. The building will open fully in autumn this year. Users will be able to travel from Trinity Way directly to Water Street and the heart of MIF’s Festival Square.
The bridge, designed for both pedestrians and cyclists forms part of plans for a wider sustainable travel route through Salford and Manchester. This proposed network of walking and cycling paths would see Aviva Studios and MOSI connected via this new bridge to New Bailey, Middlewood Locks, Islington Mill and Salford University. It will provide users the chance to travel sustainably from the Crescent area of Salford through to Aviva Studios, MOSI and Manchester City Centre.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Both cities have a rich and distinct, yet intertwined cultural identity. This work forms part of our sustainable transport plans for the whole city and with this bridge we’re creating a gateway to enable Salfordians access to cultural experiences on offer at MIF and Aviva Studios.
“Bridges have played a huge role in literally bringing our cities together and forging links. Our two cities worked together to span the Irwell way back in 1830 with the Stephenson Bridge. Today, this bridge is further evidence of our joint commitment to opening up the cities and to providing alternative, greener options for crossing our famous river border.”
Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “The connections between our two great cities are long-standing and complementary so having a new physical link in our city centre is an important moment.
“While the river Irwell is a seen as a geographical boundary it is not a barrier between the flow of people, trade and ideas. It’s particularly welcome that this new bridge will connect Aviva Studios, a world-class arts and social attraction and the new home of Factory International, and the new St Johns area with growing new districts on the Salford side of the Irwell. It’s a symbolic celebration of using culture as an economic and regeneration driver to deliver mutual success in growth of new jobs, communities, and districts to benefit our city region.”
