SWINTON LIONS have welcomed the launch of a public consultation regarding the future of the land where they hope to build a new stadium.
They have plans for a multi-sports facility, to be known as ‘The Den’, on the site of the former Swinton Park Golf Club, two miles from their spiritual home Station Road.
The club sold that ground for housing in 1992 to stave off financial problems, since when they have used a string of venues, the current one being Heywood Road in Sale, twelve miles from where Station Road stood.
They have long had ambitions of returning to the Swinton area, with a previous plan for a new stadium in Agecroft, two miles from the town, floundering due to financing issues.
Now they hope ‘The Den’ could form a part of plans to redevelop the derelict golf course.
The site is owned by Wain Estates, who want to build around 700 homes alongside public green spaces and sports facilities.
The club said: “As many supporters will know, the Lions have been developing our own vision for The Den – a community sports centre and multi-sport hub which could finally bring Swinton Lions home while creating sporting, health and community facilities for people across Swinton and Salford.
“We are therefore particularly interested to see community sport and recreation featuring within the emerging proposals for the site.
“We believe there is now a real opportunity for Wain Estates, Salford City Council, Swinton Lions and the local community to work together to explore whether our ambitions can be brought together as part of a sustainable long-term future for this important site.
“After more than 30 years away from Swinton, our ambition remains clear – to bring the Lions home and create something which delivers a lasting legacy for the whole community.
“We look forward to studying the proposals in detail and engaging constructively through the consultation process.”