В Салфорд-Кейс создадут уникальную «плавающую» экосистему на реке Ирвелл

The 'floating landscape' planned for Salford Quays New plans will transform the river A unique new feature will soon be coming to Salford Quays. A stretch of the River Irwell near Ordsall Hall is due to be transformed into an unusual new ‘floating landscape’ that could ‘hook’ people into visiting the canal. The waterway next to the Foundry warehouse complex will be turned into a floating wetland habitat project. This involves creating buoyant islands with grasses and water plants where different animal species can make their home. Currently, the waterway is in a’degraded’ state with a ‘poor ecological status’, meaning that pollution and poor water quality has killed off much of the wildlife in the area. Now that could be about to change. Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter Council bosses today greenlit the use of up to £170,000 for the project at a planning meeting on Wednesday, August 12. The money comes from Section 106 contributions – money that large-scale developers pay the council in exchange for affecting existing green space or community amenities. Coun Mike McCusker, deputy mayor and lead member for planning, said: “This looks like a great project that will improve the biodiversity and water quality, as well as improving flood defences and making it an attractive place to visit. The £170,000 we’re adding has come from developers building on Worral Street. The whole point of the Section 106 is to offset the impact of the building on the area, and I think this is a good scheme for that.” The funding will be topped up with £78,000 of grant funding from the Environment Agency’s Water Environment Improvement Fund, who are collaborating on the project. A report by council officers said: “The river is an underused resource, in a densely populated area, lacking in blue and green infrastructure. By creating a floating habitat in the Quays area this project begins the transformation of the River Irwell into a vibrant, accessible, ecologically rich urban river corridor.” Peel Ports, who own the entire stretch of the Manchester Shipping Canal, are reportedly in support of the scheme in principle. The project would involve the design, supply and installation of ‘modular floating ecosystems’ using specialist contractors, with the job due to go out to tender in September. Once installed, the waterway will likely see an increase in animal life, improved water quality, and better flood and climate change resistance. If they’re a success, the local authority intends to put a number of the installations along the river, including in Broughton and the Meadows. Similar projects have taken place in Rochdale, Bristol, and in Regent’s Canal in London.