Successful local economy

This driver is the economic engine for the framework. It will drive a diverse economy based on high value manufacturing, research, business services, leisure and logistics. Development and marketing of employment sites and transport links will attract new investment. This will in turn attract and retain a skilled workforce. By working with schools, higher education, job support agencies and employers we will ensure residents have the qualifications and skills needed to open up job opportunities and achieve their ambitions. The need to make sure residents are in a position to take advantage of employment and training opportunities was reinforced by local consultations.

These 11 actions will develop a prosperous economy:

MediaCityUK will add a massive £1.5 billion to the North West economy. With 15,500 jobs, 1,500 trainees each year and over 1,000 creative and related businesses, this is big news. The move of five BBC departments to Salford Quays in 2012 is a real catalyst for change. On the doorstep of Salford West the priority is to link this investment to job and business opportunities across the city. Actions include developing local skills, exploring supply chains and improving tram, bus, car, walking and cycling connections. (BL1)

Barton Strategic Site offers an opportunity for 2,100 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs. The jobs created will have a significant impact on the area, increasing prosperity and career prospects. The site, which has yet to be developed, has been earmarked as having potential for a water, road and rail freight interchange. The priority here is to maximise the number of jobs secured locally. Actions include developing local skills, supporting people to get jobs and improving public transport access. (BL2)

Upgrading existing business locations will capitalise on the wealth of employment sites across the area. This will include marketing, environmental improvements, ensuring sustainable accessibility of sites and promoting high quality development. This will allow further growth of advanced manufacturing, research and development. Alternative uses will be explored for sites which are outdated, poorly located and experience low demand. (BL3)

Satellite employment destinations recognises the opportunity to provide value for money office accommodation for administrative and ‘back office’ functions. This action concentrates on two main areas. In Eccles town centre it will capitalise on the current growth in its office market, the impact of the new Magistrates Court and strong links with the regional centre including Salford Quays / MediaCityUK. This action will also build on existing development at Clifton Business Park. (BL4)

Establish new employment opportunities that are easy to access and targeted to the areas of need, in particular Little Hulton and Winton / Barton. This action will consider the possible expansion of Ashton’s Field and the long term potential of the Wharton Lane employment site, which is currently being used for recovery of coal. (BL5)

Marketing for business promotes Salford West as an ideal location to base many new or expanding businesses. Actions include working with current businesses, developing marketing materials and increasing the profile of the area as a business location of choice. (BL6)

Encouraging enterprise will build on the opportunity for new entrepreneurs and businesses to start up and expand. Actions will raise the aspirations of local people to start up their own businesses, provide pre-start up support, suitable workspace and additional support during the first two years of business. This will in turn help in the creation of a diverse economy and an enterprising workforce. (BL7)

Developing a workforce to drive the economy. A skilled and dedicated workforce will mean that local people benefit from job opportunities in Salford West and the wider city-region. The main actions include engaging with employees to link residents to jobs and continuing to ensure our local residents have the skills to match the employment trends in the region. A worklessness project will run in Little Hulton to support local residents back into work. (BL8)

Strategic accessibility looks at access from Salford West to key employment hubs such as the airport and regional centre. Actions would be led by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), the Highways Authority, Network Rail and / or the private sector. Considerations include the potential development of several projects, spanning the 20 year life of the framework, including potential metrolink/light rail projects, highways improvements, bus route and park and ride development as well as a range of cycling and walking facilities. (BL9)

Business connectivity will connect markets and suppliers in order to support economic development and performance. Led by the Highways Authority, Highways Agency, GMPTE and Network Rail this action looks at possible M60 improvements, as well as enhancing rail services across Salford West, in particular at Irlam, Eccles, Walkden and Swinton. (BL10)

Access to employment will tackle barriers for employees travelling to and from work, a serious concern to many residents. Led by GMPTE and Salford City Council this would include the development and marketing of sustainable transport, cycling and new/enhanced bus and rail services, including the Quality Bus Corridor Network. (BL11)

This page was last updated on 3 October 2009