One of Salford’s most treasured landmarks has been given national recognition after being upgraded to Grade II* listed status, cementing its place as one of the country’s most significant historic youth buildings.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has approved the upgrade for Salford Lads and Girls Club following advice from Historic England, recognising the building’s exceptional architectural and historic importance.
The iconic red-brick club, which has stood on Coronation Street for more than 120 years, is one of the finest surviving examples of a purpose-built lads’ club anywhere in the UK. Once a familiar sight in industrial towns and cities, buildings of this kind have become increasingly rare.
The new Grade II* listing places the club among a select group of nationally important historic buildings, acknowledging not only its striking architecture but also its long-standing role in supporting generations of young people across Salford.
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Salford City Council’s Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Sports and Leisure, welcomed the announcement.
She said: “I’m so pleased to see Salford Lads Club has now been designated as a Grade II* listed building. The building holds such a special place in many local residents’ hearts across Salford. It has played a huge role in so many people’s lives and the whole city is so proud of what the club stands for.
“We are so pleased the Club has received this further national recognition, proving it’s not just us Salfordians who understand how important it is. It is quite unusual for this type of building to receive this status, and this really positive news further highlights the Lads Club’s uniqueness. It also means the building continues to be protected for future generations to come.”
Historic England’s Co-Chief Executives, Emma Squire and Claudia Kenyatta, described the club as the finest surviving example of its kind in the country.
They said: “This remarkable building tells the story of a movement that transformed opportunities for generations of young people. Built to provide recreation, education and support, lads’ clubs became integral to community life across industrial Britain.
“Salford Lads and Girls Club is the finest surviving example of its type in the country and fully merits its Grade II* status.”
Laura Slingsby, Chief Executive of Salford Lads and Girls Club, said the listing recognised far more than just the building itself.
“We are incredibly proud that Salford Lads and Girls Club has been recognised as a building of more than special interest,” she said.
“This is a tribute not only to the building itself, but to the generations of members, volunteers and staff who have kept it at the heart of the community for more than 120 years.
“The club continues to provide opportunities for young people today, and this recognition helps secure its future for generations to come.”
While the club is known worldwide thanks to its appearance in photographs by Manchester band The Smiths, its greatest legacy remains its work within the local community, providing activities, mentoring and opportunities for thousands of young people over more than a century.
The club is host to our very own Live @ The Lads Club live stream which takes place every Wednesday at around 2pm.
The Grade II* designation ensures the building’s special character will receive enhanced protection, safeguarding one of Salford’s most recognisable and much-loved landmarks for generations to come.
