Adelphi/Bexley Square

Background information
The Adelphi/Bexley Square Conservation Area lies on the A6 corridor close to the city of Manchester. The conservation area is centred around St Philip’s Church and is bounded by Adelphi Street, Clemminson Street, East Market Street and Chapel Street.

Whilst the original settlement at Salford was contained within the triangle bounded by the River Irwell, Chapel Street, Gravel Lane and Greengate the area rapidly became built up with new housing and industry, the latter being concentrated towards the river. As the results of the industrial revolution became more apparent, so entrepreneurs and businessmen began to build town houses such as those in Encombe Place and The Crescent.

A growing population meant that there was also an increased demand for public building and for better administration. New churches were built in the late 18th Century, several of which were in close proximity to Sacred Trinity Church, but of these only St Philip’s now survives, the remainder having fallen victim to the outward movement of population experienced as 19th century redevelopment saw the replacement of domestic living accommodation by factories, offices and warehouses.

Update
In recent years the conservation area has been improved considerably by the combined demolition of redundant dwellings and other buildings as part of on-going enhancement schemes that have given unrestricted access to the extensive walkway areas to the rear of the Salford Cathedral. The open space created by the walkways has also improved the setting of St Philip’s Church, St John’s Cathedral, Cathedral House and the former Salford Town Hall.

To the west of the conservation area lie the remaining buildings which once formed the Salford Royal Hospital complex. A large portion has been demolished and that which remains fronting onto Adelphi Street and Chapel Street is currently undergoing conversion to luxury apartments. The former county court building in Encombe Place has recently been converted into similar apartments.

This page was last updated on 4 October 2009