Mariners Canal Public Consultation

Background

Salford City Council is looking to make improvements to some of the walking routes and outdoor spaces around Salford Quays.

One of the first areas we are exploring is Mariners Canal. The canal is a popular and well-used place, and one of the highlights on the walking route around the Quays, but it is a sensitive location due to its proximity to residential communities. 

To understand what people think of Mariners Canal, we carried out a first phase of consultation in the summer where we introduced our vision for improving the outdoor space at the canal and asked for your feedback and ideas. 

Ultimately, we see Mariners Canal as playing a key role in the creation of an attractive circular ‘Inner Loop’ at Salford Quays, which showcases some of the Quays’ best features. 

1.     Mariners Canal – Main Section

The main section of Mariners Canal will be designed to reflect the character of this space as an established residential area by helping to maintain privacy for residents whilst also creating a welcoming and safe environment to move through. Our proposals include:

• Reviewing the location of benches to ensure that they’re in the right spots, and in locations that discourage any antisocial behaviour.
• Transforming unused hard surfaces into new biodiverse planting areas to create a more attractive environment and enhance biodiversity.
• Locating a footpath along the eastern side of the canal, with a wider pathway on the western side for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Reviewing our existing tree stock, and introducing various types of trees to promote biodiversity and ecological enhancements. Expect to see bug hotels and pollinator-friendly plants to boost the environment. Some of the existing trees will be replaced to improve visibility and make the space feel safer.  
• Adding well-lit bollards along the canal to ensure a sense of safety throughout the day and night.
• More closely aligning the upper level of the canal side paths with their neighbouring residential areas. We will look to reduce the width of hard standing areas to provide a comfortable and safe space for residents. A low hedge will give residents a sense of ownership over the lawn spaces. 

2.     Mariners Canal – Southern Gate

The southern end of Mariners Canal is a popular area for people to view water sports events happening in Ontario Basin.

• Creating additional terraced seating for people to enjoy and watch the water sports events in Ontario Basin.
• Planting more trees and adding ground level planting to soften the predominately hard space in the area.
• Introducing new biodiverse planting into the landscape as people walk north up the canal, offering a change in character to the area. 
• Installing feature underpass lighting to ensure well-lit areas and enhance the sense of safety.

3.     Mariners Canal – Northern Gate

As part of our vision for the northern part of Mariners Canal, we would like to create an outdoor space that allows visitors to spend time and socialise with an open view across Erie Basin.

• Creating lawn areas that provide residents and visitors a place to relax and socialise whilst enjoying the view of Erie Basin.
• The lawns would aim to provide a location for the recently refurbished benches on both sides of the canal, as well as trees that will provide shading.
• Reducing the size of hard paving areas and introducing new wildflower meadows, acting as a buffer to adjacent residential spaces.