Patricroft

As you walk past the Waterside Bar and Restaurant on your right heading towards Patricroft the character of the canal changes dramatically. The leafy and semi-rural nature of the canal changes into a more urban and industrial environment.

Patricroft heritage

In its heyday Patricroft attracted captains of industry due to its excellent location on the main transport networks. James Nasymth relocated his foundry to Patricroft in 1836. This area inspired many important inventions. The Steam Hammer, the pile driver, the planning machine, the hydraulic press and locomotives made for export were all either invented or produced at the Bridgewater Works.

Patricroft also has an infamous side to its history. By the mid-19th century the dreadful conditions of the working class in Salford, and in Patricroft and Eccles in particular, became the principal inspiration for Friedrich Engels seminal book, ‘The Conditions of the Working Class in England'. Diseases associated with working in industry were common and people often lived in dirty, overcrowded housing. Men, women and children often worked 14 hours a day, six days a week.

Proposals for Patricroft

The appearance of the canalside in Patricroft will be transformed. Sites will be redeveloped to make the most of their waterside setting by facing onto the canal to improve access and safety.

Proposals for Patricroft include:

Improvements to visitor facilities so people know how to get there, where to go and what to do
Improving access to the canal
Celebrating the incredible social and industrial history of the area by information boards, art, lighting, trails, events and projects for the community
Improving access to local parks and surrounding green areas

You can download the masterplan for Patricroft at the bottom of the page.

If you want to get involved in improving your local area, opportunities exist to undertake environmental improvements, clean-ups and heritage improvement schemes. Why not get involved and complete our online form.