In the middle of Ordsall sits a fenced-off patch of waste land that was once a shopping precinct and a primary school. After both were demolished around 30 years ago, it became an unplanned beauty spot. Now, according to one disgruntled neighbour, it looks 'like a nuclear holocaust'.
Delayed Development
The land off Robert Hall Street was supposed to be home to hundreds of people living on tree-lined streets in a new eco-friendly estate. Plans for more than 270 homes, including 100 affordable houses, were approved in March 2024. However, more than two years on, not a single brick has been laid. The scheme is being managed by Salford council's development company, Dérive.
One neighbour said: 'When I moved in it was all trees, people walked their dogs there. It was always obvious it was going to be developed, but it was lovely. Then the steamrollers came in and they ripped all the trees up and now it looks like a nuclear holocaust, but we thought "Fine, they'll be building houses." But you can't just flatten it and leave it derelict. It's been abandoned and we've been abandoned.'
Council Response
A Salford council spokesperson said 'complex preparatory work... had taken longer than originally anticipated' and that construction was expected to start in late autumn.
Rochdale's Seven Sisters
In Rochdale, the Seven Sisters tower blocks once housed hundreds of people. Now almost all of the 761 flats stand eerily empty, with pigeons far outnumbering tenants. The future of the estate remains uncertain after years of delays.
Bus Route Highlight
Meanwhile, the 350 bus from Oldham to Ashton, winding through Saddleworth villages and over Mossley, may be Greater Manchester's most scenic bus route.
World Cup Fever
After England's win over Mexico, fans are now looking to Saturday night's match against Norway. Jenna Campbell has compiled a guide to the best places in Greater Manchester to watch the game.
Weather and Travel
Temperatures could reach 31°C in the coming days as a heatwave hits the north west. Salford Central station will be closed on Saturday and Sunday due to engineering works.
