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Goodey shocked by stadium opposition

14/ 4/2005

CHAMPION of Salford regeneration, Felicity Goodey has revealed she was shocked by Manchester's attempt to scupper the Red's ambitious stadium plans.

The former BBC television presenter is now chair of the Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company - set up by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to oversee the massive efforts to revitalise Ordsall, Broughton, Irwell Riverside, Langworthy, Kersal, Claremont, Weaste and Seedley.

She said: "To be honest I am surprised Manchester is concerned about this development. Talks need to take place to reassure all interested parties in Salford and Manchester that this development is not a threat but would be a real asset for the area.

"Manchester and Salford have done a lot of work together. The old days in which Salford and Manchester were at loggerheads are in the past - they now do a lot of work in partnership and I'm sure if there are negotiations a sensible solution to this can be found."

Ms Goodey, former chair of the Lowry, threw her support behind the initiative to build the arts centre which is now visited by over one million tourists and theatre-goers each year.

She said: "Salford is beginning to get a real sense of confidence and has one or two really outstanding developments in the Lowry Arts Centre and the Trinity Bridge designed by Calatrava. They are stunning pieces of architecture and they have brought economic benefits with jobs as well as creating a sense of pride for Salford.

"Since the Lowry Centre was built it has brought well in excess of £450m of private sector investment into the city and created 5,700 new jobs.

"The new stadium for Salford Reds will be no different. They are massively important to people in the city and clearly they need a new home which we can all be proud of."

Published 14 April 2005