Some people in Salford have questioned why the council is spending millions of pounds on the city’s community stadium, with some calling to sell it off. The Labour-led council bought the stadium for £7.7m in 2024 when it signed a deal with former co-owners Peel.

It is home to Salford Reds rugby league club as well as rugby union side Sale Sharks. Figures shared by Salford’s Conservative opposition group in February showed that the council could spend £1.6m a year through its ownership of the ground and surrounding land.

The council also made an ‘urgent’ decision this March to loan £450,000 to the stadium company to ‘maintain core operations, meet existing financial commitments, and safeguard service levels.’

This is at a time when council tax has increased by 4.99 per cent in successive years, as part of the council’s budget plans to pay for vital services across the city.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service spoke to residents in Pendleton about the issue this week.

Some said the council should sell the stadium and spend the money on other priorities.

“I think it would be better to sell it, they could make a fortune,” said Billy Ball, aged 69.

One of the issues that was brought up by residents was the impact on Salford Reds the club lost its former ground, the Willows, based in Weaste.

The Willows was home to Salford Reds for more than 100 years but was turned into houses as the club made the move to the new Salford Community Stadium in 2012.

But the move to the new stadium did not save the future of Salford Red Devils, who were wound up last year over unpaid debts, ending 152 years of history.

From that a new phoenix rugby league club was founded, called Salford RLFC, and are playing in the Betfred Championship.

Billy said: “The Willows, the old ground, was a top place, and it’s a massive shame what happened to the club, but I think it was stupid [for Salford council] to buy the new stadium.

“I can see they were trying to help out with the club, but it’s got to go. It’s a lot of money, it’s ridiculous.

“They’ve got to build places for people to live, they could spend it on health, definitely on the roads.”

Further along the road in Pendleton, Steve Wallace, 56, was having a coffee and stopped to share his thoughts on the situation.

He said: “I’ve followed the club all my life, I don’t go often now, I don’t like where it is.

“It’s a hard one, that money could be spent on houses, it is quite a lot of money, but where would it leave the club?

“The old ground, the Willows, that was proper Salford, but it’s not like that now.”

Steve also brought up the size of Salford Community Stadium for Salford Reds with its 12,000 capacity, adding: “I think it’s just too big for what they’re using it for and it’s not helping the club with where it is.”

The location of Salford Community Stadium has long been an issue for some fans.

Based off the M60 and by the A57 Liverpool Road, rugby fans can currently take the tram to the Trafford Centre which is a 20-minute walk away from the stadium, or travel on the 100 or 67 bus routes which stop a short distance from the ground.

Calls have been made by Salford council to expand the Metrolink to the stadium to make access easier for fans.

There were others in Pendleton who were less convinced that Salford council should sell the stadium.

Frank Aldred, 83, said: “I don’t think it should be sold, it should be kept for the people of Salford.

“I think it would be the wrong thing to do to sell the stadium, it brings people from other areas and clubs to Salford, they come and spend their money here when the games are on.”

Bill Vickers, 77, also added: “It’s a shame that it’s come to this, it’s part of the community, and I know it’s a lot of money, but they could keep it if they can find the money to pay for it. It’s helpful to have a social enterprise like this in Salford.”

Salford mayor Paul Dennett has been at the centre of the council’s work buying the community stadium.

He has previously pointed out that, with a long-term view, land around the ground could be sold for development to claw back the initial costs.

When asked about the future of the stadium, a Salford Labour spokesperson said: “The council’s decision to retain ownership of the Community Stadium is a strategic, long‑term investment in one of Salford’s most important civic assets.

“Taking full control in 2024 secured professional rugby in the city, protected local jobs, stabilised operations and unlocked major regeneration potential across the wider site.

“While the stadium has operating pressures, these stem from inherited issues such as rising utilities, deferred maintenance and outdated contracts.

“Since assuming ownership, the council has strengthened commercial agreements, improved governance, delivered essential safety and infrastructure works, and begun detailed masterplanning to shape future development.

“The stadium delivers significant social and economic value: it is home to two historic rugby clubs, supports grassroots sport, hosts major events and brings national visibility and visitors to Salford.

“Selling it now would close off regeneration opportunities and reduce a strategic asset to a short‑term financial transaction.

“Retaining ownership ensures decisions are made from a position of strength, aligned with long‑term city priorities – not short‑term political pressure.

“Just as with MediaCity, RHS Bridgewater and The Lowry, strategic investments do not pay for themselves in year one, but they shape Salford’s future.

“Keeping the stadium is about confidence, ambition and responsible stewardship for the city.”