Salford is updating its Local List of important buildings and places for the first time in 13 years, adding 140 structures and locations, as the city seeks to protect its heritage after decades of demolitions.
The council is refreshing the list as part of its "heritage commission" and is asking the public to suggest additions. Funding comes from Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The expanded list includes homes, an Eccles bingo hall, a Royal British Legion Club in Langworthy, roadside milestones, and a post box.
Past losses prompt new approach
The move follows the loss of several notable buildings, including The Ambassador cinema, which opened in 1928 and was demolished in 2004, and the University of Salford's Centenary Building, cleared last year for a housing development.
City Mayor Paul Dennett acknowledged previous neglect at the opening of the restored Buile Hill Mansion, which had stood empty for 25 years. After an £11m restoration, it now houses the Register Office, a wedding venue, and a cafe. Dennett said: "Let's be honest heritage and culture had fallen off a cliff in those days of austerity. For me this is about a statement which says heritage in Salford is back on the agenda."
New guardian aims for practical change
Dr Joanne O'Hara, the council's heritage guardian, said: "From my perspective I am here to fix things, and to look after the heritage that we have got." She has already taken action, placing an order on the owners of the Grade II listed Crescent pub to carry out urgent works.
O'Hara explained the list update: "We are updating the Local List for the first time since 2013. We have removed about 40 entries some of which have been demolished and some altered beyond recognition." The criteria for inclusion go beyond national guidelines, considering historical perspective, local links, and people associated with the building.
New additions reflect diverse heritage
New additions include the Independent Methodist Church at Roe Green, built in 1884, and the Grand Palais in Swinton, a former cinema now a dance hall. The remains of Wet Earth Colliery at Clifton Country Park are listed, along with a 1935 bandstand in Parr Fold Park.
Other additions include a stone place name in Monton dated 1847, a Victorian post box on the Worsley and Swinton border, and Bexley Square, the scene of a 1931 protest. The Racecourse Hotel, empty for nine years, is also listed.
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith said: "The reason that Joanne works here is because the City Mayor made a commitment to set up a heritage commission... We have genuinely put money and people behind this aspiration, it is not just a political idea."
The council's ruling cabinet will decide on the expanded Local List, likely in February. A six-week consultation ends on Monday 14 September, with drop-in sessions planned in Walkden, Swinton, and Pendleton.
