Sale Sharks welcomes the news that the deal for Salford City Council to acquire Peel’s 50% shareholding in the Salford Stadium has been completed.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett confirmed the news today, saying the deal “will safeguard jobs, ensure the continued community use of the facility and support the delivery of the council’s Rugby Strategy in 2025.”
In response, Sharks CEO Paul Smith said: “For too long there has been uncertainty and confusion around the future and ownership of the Salford Community Stadium and everyone at Sale Sharks, from fans, to staff, players and commercial partners, welcomes the confirmation of this deal.
“Now we are all focused on moving forwards and maximising this fantastic opportunity to create a real hub for rugby, across both codes, in the north and a stadium that our community can truly be proud of.
“We look forward to working closely with Salford City Council and our friends at Salford Red Devils to ensure long-term stability and success for all parties both on and off the field.”
The stadium was initially built as a joint venture between Salford City Council and Peel Land. This £7.7 million deal means that the council is now the sole shareholder of CosCos, the company which owns Salford Community Stadium, along with two training pitches, a surfaced car park, with around 500 spaces, as well as a number of developable land assets with a footprint of 24.76 acres, adjacent to the stadium, and retains the residual land value of the stadium.
In the statement, released today, Mr Dennett said: “It (the deal) will enable the council to deliver its aims and aspirations by controlling future redevelopment of the area, a key regeneration site known as the western gateway. With full development, the 24.76 acres site, has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs, with 6.02 acres already under offer and 1.82 acres to be sold imminently, attract further significant private sector investment and deliver millions of pounds worth of social value.
“The deal brings to fruition the commitment to deliver the initial vision of a community stadium for the city and its people. The future will be grounded in new sports and leisure and rugby strategies, with links to activity, culture and health and wellbeing and fair access and opportunities. It also helps protect the Super League status of Salford Red Devils RLFC and ensure both the Red Devils and Sale Sharks will retain their position playing in Salford.
“Work will now kick off with exciting plans to engage fans, community groups and grass-roots rugby clubs, schools, education providers and residents with the city’s Community Stadium and the sport of rugby. The stadium will be at the heart of the city’s Rugby Strategy, with huge potential to increase participation rates in sport and contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of local people of all ages through all forms of the game and the wider activities.”
