Construction work has started on Salford’s £26m community stadium, which is being developed by a joint venture between Salford City Council and Peel.

The 15,000 capacity stadium, which is due for completion by December 2011, will begin construction in October.

Salford council and Peel (regeneration plans pictured) have pooled their land holdings to create a single 70-acre site for the new stadium. More detailed proposals for the development are due for consideration by planners in August.

As well as a grant from the North West Development Agency, funding for the site’s regeneration will come in a loan from the city council to the joint venture company to pay for the construction work and new infrastructure.

Salford City Council leader, John Merry said: “Today’s ground breaking is another milestone in Salford’s regeneration and marks the next stage in our journey toward a new sports stadium for the city.

“The partnership we’ve created will deliver an important cultural – and economic – asset for the city and gives residents a no-cost stake in that success.”

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