Salford Council Faces Pressure to Sell Stadium and Prioritize Road Infrastructure
Salford Council is under mounting pressure from Conservative opposition members to sell the CorpAcq Stadium, with claims that the venue is "burning" through public funds. The Tories propose redirecting the estimated £1.6 million annual cost toward a dedicated fund for repairing roads and pavements across the city.
Financial Burden and Political Debate
According to council finance department figures, ownership of the stadium, which is home to Sale Sharks rugby union club and Salford's phoenix rugby league team, costs approximately £1.6 million per year. This includes an estimated £1.2 million loss from operations and around £420,000 in lost interest on related debt.
The Conservative group has submitted an amendment to the council's budget, set for discussion on February 25, calling for the immediate start of preparations to sell the stadium. However, due to existing financial and contractual arrangements, any sale could not occur until 2028.
Councillor Bob Clarke, leader of Salford Conservatives, expressed outrage at the figures, stating, "It's outrageous, we couldn't believe it when we saw the numbers. If it's burning through the best part of £1.6m a year, that's not credible, especially when residents face a council tax increase."
Labour's Defense and Strategic Vision
A Salford Labour spokesperson defended the council's full ownership of the stadium, emphasizing its role in delivering a city-wide rugby strategy. The council completed a £7.7 million deal with former co-owners Peel in late 2024 to take control of the venue, also known as Salford Community Stadium.
The spokesperson highlighted that the stadium was a key venue for the Women's Rugby World Cup last year and serves as a foundation for improving grassroots rugby participation. "Taking full control of Salford Community Stadium is a key part of this vision, helping ensure that professional clubs from both codes continue to play in Salford," they said.
Broader Budget Context and Community Impact
The stadium debate unfolds against a backdrop of broader financial challenges. Councillors will also vote on a proposal to increase council tax by 4.99 percent, adding over £100 to annual bills for band D properties. This hike is part of the council's revenue budget to fund city services.
Councillor Clarke acknowledged the council's difficult financial position after years of cuts but insisted that the stadium's costs are unsustainable. "When people find out what the stadium is losing they'll be upset," he added.
The stadium purchase in late 2024 was initially seen as a lifeline for the former Salford Red Devils rugby league club, but the club was liquidated in 2025 over unpaid debts. Currently, Salford's phoenix rugby league club plays at the stadium, though no formal deal with the council is in place, with talks ongoing as of January.
The Conservative amendment stresses that the stadium represents a "substantial recurring financial burden" and calls for funds to be reallocated to benefit all residents through improved infrastructure, rather than supporting a venue used by a smaller segment of the population.
