The University of Salford has submitted plans to Salford City Council for a major upgrade of its sports facilities, including new pitches and amenities at David Lewis Playing Fields near Wallness Lane and Peel Park. If approved, the development would sit alongside the University’s first Padel courts, with provider Soul Padel leading the planning application on the University’s behalf.
The University’s current playing fields include a 3G football and rugby pitch and a grass pitch. Under the new proposals, the site would be transformed into three high‑quality multi‑use sports pitches with improved access and new on‑site changing facilities for students, staff and the wider community.
Submitted by the Crescent Partnership — comprising the University of Salford, Salford City Council and ECF (a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse) — the plans form part of the £2.5bn, 240‑acre Crescent Salford masterplan regenerating this part of the city.
Crescent Salford masterplan proposals
- A new 3G all‑weather football pitch
- A new 2G all‑weather pitch suitable for hockey, tennis and recreational 11‑a‑side football
- Enhancement of one existing grass football pitch
- A new informal 1km running trail
New changing facilities, toilets, shelters, EV charging points and accessible parking are also planned. Improved signage, footpaths and lighting will make the area easier to navigate and more welcoming from multiple entry points.
Environmental improvements include increased native planting, new trees, a wildflower meadow, better drainage to reduce flooding, and landscaping designed to enhance the experience for residents, students, sports teams and visitors.
University of Salford’s first Padel courts
Separately, the University’s plan to open its first Padel courts has also been submitted to Salford City Council. Soul Padel has applied for four new covered courts on University land at Wallness Lane. These will be bookable by students, staff and the local community.
The refurbishment of the playing fields and the new Padel courts represent the next phase of the University’s Campus Connectivity Plan — a major redevelopment of research, teaching and public spaces.
Mark Wantling, Chief Infrastructure Officer at the University of Salford, said: “At the University of Salford we are proud of our reputation for the quality of our sports education. We teach everything from Sports Psychology and Science to Sports Business Management.
“Now it’s time to ramp up our commitment to public and community health, by providing high‑quality facilities which can be used all year round by students, staff, local sports groups and members of the public. Combined with our planned Padel Courts, we are aiming for a major overhaul of our campus sports facilities. It’s another example of how we’re reimagining the Crescent area and surrounding estate with our partners in Crescent Salford.”
Work is already underway on several other campus buildings as part of the Campus Connectivity Plan, including a world‑class acoustics institute and the Thrive Health and Wellbeing Centre, both due to open in 2027. The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) opened in February and is already helping address key skills gaps in the region.
If approved, work on David Lewis Playing Fields is expected to begin later this year.
