A popular riverside footpath has been saved after an outcry from members of the public. It was feared the pedestrian route along the banks of the River Irwell would be blocked off with walkers diverted through the lobby of a new 16-storey hotel at Ralli Quays.
But objections from 120 people, led by university lecturer Dr Morag Rose and other walking activists, forced a rethink by developer Legal & General. Councillors on Salford's planning and transportation panel regulatory panel agreed a revised plan for the 260-bed hotel which will mean the 207-metre footpath at Blackfriars is retained.
A report to the panel said: "Following further review and discussion the applicants are now proposing to retain public access down the steps to the revierside and as a result the alternative route that was previously proposed as mitigation is no longer required."
In addition, the developers will contribute £552,560 towards public realm works linking Chapel Street/Trinity Way to Irwell Street; Irwell River Park (Ordsall Chord Riverside Connection; New Bailey Street crossing/public realm improvements and the city centre Bee Network).
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The turning point of the campaign by the protesters was when Salford city mayor Paul Dennett intervened, saying: "My default position is and always will be to protect public rights of way wherever possible."
Dr Rose told the regulatory panel: "I am delighted you have been able to rethink your mistake and Legal and General have been open to conversation with us. Last month I asked you for a deferment so we could continue with our constructive dialogue and I am grateful you gave us this time.
"I believe Ralli Quays can become an exemplar and a catalyst for positive developments that enhance rights of way and public space along 'Our Irwell'. We are nearly there, please make it happen and learn the lessons of this case.
"I hope we can work together to keep and improve, 'Our Irwell' for everyone for generations to come."
However, Dr Rose called for legal guarantees she said the campaign group was promised following a meeting with L&G. These included public access rights to be implemented along the towpath in addition to Stanley Street.
They want the towpath within our L&G's ownership to be open for public use 24/7 and will not be gated. The campaigners also wanted the original Stopping Up Order of the path rescinded in order for the council to 'avoid the time, expense and energy this would entail'.
Meanwhile, Mr Dennett has welcomed the decision of Legal And General Investment Management to maintain towpath access along the River Irwell.
In August Mayor Dennett joined campaigners in calling for a review of plans to build new offices and a hotel at Ralli Quay which would have meant closing access to part of the 300-year-old towpath by a gate. An alternative route leading to Stanley Street was proposed.
Mayor Dennett said: “My default position is and always will be to protect public rights of way wherever possible, which is why I asked for a review. I am delighted that Legal and General have listened to campaigners and retained this historic right of way.”
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