Ordsall and Langworthy Executive Group

ORDSALL AND LANGWORTHY EXECUTIVE GROUP

SUMMARY OF THE MEETING HELD ON 2ND OCTOBER , 2007

The Ordsall and Langworthy Executive Group, together with guests from partnership agencies , received a short report and presentation which described the physical area that was included in Central Salford and set out the principal strands by which engagement of the various Partners in the regeneration of the area would be secured . These included (a) Planning Guidance setting out the principles involved in creating a cohesive and distinctive sense of place and character and ensure the appropriate mix of uses and high quality design in new development and public realm, (b) a Development Framework to develop a detailed programme for regeneration within the area within the context established by the Guidance. And (c) a Neighbourhood Planning Programme to engage residents of the Islington estate in the identification and development of options for the future of the area.

The presentation set out the timetable for consultation on the above activities and the methods that would be employed to secure participation.Representatives of the Partner agencies outlined their contribution to the regeneration process, their aspirations for the area and the challenges which might arise .Change was required to create an environment in which people might want to walk or pause rather than pass through to facilitate the development of safe walkways that would be a convenient and practical way in which residents could access jobs in the City Centre.A priority to be tackled by 2011/2012 was to deal with the 60% of social housing which did not meet Decent Homes Standards. Salix Homes were working with partners to try and secure funds to improve the wider environment in which the homes were based. There was a need for community spirit and cohesion Members discussed possible venues at which drop-in sessions might be organised. Partners acknowledged the need to clarify the agencies responsible for the various activities and how contact could be made.

Members (i) emphasised the need to ensure that the community was given accurate information and timescales, (ii) drew comparison with the Mediacity development which, being an undeveloped site, was considered less complex and in a location that did not offer the opportunity to re-establish a city centre for Salford, (iii) wondered if it would be possible to achieve a standard of housing with no difference between the public and private sectors and which would fulfil community aspirations and (iv) noted that the proposals did not make reference to infrastructure facilities (such as libraries etc.) to support the housing development. It was acknowledged that Salford Crescent Railway Station was not adequate in terms of platform length and would need upgrading to an interchange to exploit the opportunities for linking to the Quays.

The Executive Group received a report setting out progress to date in implementing the Ordsall Development Framework, identifying threats and opportunities that could affect future work and clarifying whether the principles of the Framework remained valid.

A verbal report was made on developments which had arisen since the report was prepared. The PrimroseHillCommunityPrimary School and Children’s Centre had opened and appeared to be popular. Completionof the Radclyffe Mews Development was due by the end of October. All 34 units had been sold, 22 them to first time buyers. Construction of the Hulton Street development had started but the unexpected discovery of utility services had delayed progress. All the units for sale under the "launchpad" scheme had been sold and there was a waiting list for the next phase. Work on the access road to this site would commence later in 2007 and it was likely that traffic calming measures would be introduced on Phoebe Street in spring, 2008.

There was strong local support for the conversion of St. Ignatius Church and Rectory into dwellings. The proposal to develop the adjacent croft site to subsidise conversion of the church was , however, attracting some objections.Members were concerned to note that, prior to the Demolition of the former RadclyffeSchool the vacant building had been vandalised especially as this had been anticipated. They discussed how similar problems might be avoided in the future.

A number of comments were made by Members in their consideration of the report. The framework demonstrated the value of community and trust organisations in sustaining an area and, some Members felt, proved the need to fund such groups. There was a growing public perception that too much open space in the area was being used for buildings and such action was not always popular. It was considered that contractors needed to accept responsibility for making secure their sites against vandals .Fly tipping created a poor impression and demonstrated the need to communicate the availability in the area of free bulk refuse collection services and to encourage greater personal responsibility.