Wain Estates has launched a public consultation on plans to redevelop the former Swinton Park Golf Club, a site once dubbed 'the most controversial golf club in Greater Manchester'. The proposals include around 700 family homes, sports facilities, and a neighbourhood centre.
Plans for the site
The rough sketch for the land includes around 700 family homes, including affordable properties, as well as public open space, play areas, and sports facilities. A small neighbourhood centre with a community building, supermarket, care facility, and a 'mobility hub' to encourage active transport has also been proposed.
The consultation, which launched on Friday evening, August 14, is not a planning application but an invitation for locals to 'have their say' on the still-developing plans. A previous proposal to build 1,200 homes on the land in 2024 was slammed as 'ludicrous' by local campaigners.
History of the site
The club closed in 2020, and the land has remained unused despite a 'bitter fight' to keep it open by campaign group Save Swinton Golf Club. The campaign was backed by City Mayor Paul Dennett at the time, with the club being issued 'community asset' status in 2019. The protected status lapsed in 2024.
Despite securing the site with fencing, onsite security, and CCTV, Wain Estates says trespassing is common and there has been antisocial behaviour on site. The presence of potential hazards such as unoccupied buildings makes it unsuitable and unsafe for public access at present.
Next steps and opposition
The landowners plan to submit an outline planning application before the end of this year. If approved by Salford Council's planning department, they plan to sell the site to a developer.
The proposals have not been universally welcomed. Councillor Jim Cammell has opposed the golf club's inclusion in the Salford Local Plan, stating: "The fact that homes 'could' be built on a site does not mean that the site needs to be allocated for housing. The Council has already identified more than enough housing land to meet its requirement. I believe [the golf club] should therefore remain outside the housing allocations."
The Swinton Park councillor has also written to Wain Estates demanding a public meeting be held for the consultation. In their proposal, the firm wrote: "We want to work with the local communities, key stakeholders and the Council to ensure Swinton Park delivers for both current and future generations. This is an opportunity to design an exemplar scheme that creates a lasting legacy for the City and its residents. Exceptionally well located, Swinton Park has the potential to become a place we can all be proud of and we can't wait to bring it to life. We'd really like to know what the local community wants to see as part of the redevelopment."
