A new industrial development will come to Little Hulton after land was sold off by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The now-defunct Ashton’s Field Colliery, on the border of Little Hulton and Walkden, has been sold to St Helens-based commerical property developers Network Space.
A planning application to develop the site is expected later in 2016.
The land can operate with up to 150,000sq ft of industrial space.
In a statement Salford City Mayor Ian Stewart said the deal was further evidence of Salford’s ‘business boom’.
Salford and Ordsall office boom revealed: TalkTalk, BUPA and Home Office top regional rankings
The colliery itself covered some 14 acres between Ravenscliffe Road and Cleggs Lane, close to the M61.
When it opened in 1852 it had 12 mines, the deepest extending some 1,546ft into the earth.
It worked until 1929, when most of its functions closed.
Ashton’s Field colliery – © Chethams Library
The colliery was retained for pumping and access to the underground canal but was scrapped in 1968 with the closure of Mosley Common Colliery.
To the north of the site is an area of heathland and grassland, also known as Ashton’s Fields.
It’s a popular space for walkers and cyclists and is rich in wildlife.
Network Space’s managing director Stephen Barnes said: “The Ashton’s Field site offers a great opportunity to provide new high quality industrial space serving the Greater Manchester market.
“There has been a paucity of new space coming forward in this sector for well over a decade despite good levels of demand as evidenced by our own 3 million sqft portfolio which is currently 95% occupied.
“We intend to capitalise on this demand and are working closely with Salford City Council, the HCA and other partners to ensure that the space can be brought forward as quickly as possible.”
Salford City Mayor Ian Stewart said: “I’m glad to see that this brownfield site is now under consideration for development into modern industrial premises which will create new jobs and opportunities for local people.
“This application reflects the continued growth of Salford and strong demand for high quality industrial space.
“Ashton’s Fields was once part of the economic heart of Little Hulton and these plans will reinvigorate the site and bring back that economic success.”
