David Lewis Playing Fields

Banner image: Architects CGI of the new sporting facilities if planning is granted. A birds eye view CGI of the planned new playing fields is shown below. 

In collaboration with its Crescent Salford partners Salford City Council and ECF, the University has submitted a full planning application for new sports pitches and associated infrastructure on the David Lewis Playing Fields.

The proposals can be viewed in full at David Lewis Playing Fields — Asteer Planning. A consultation took place where the public were invited to meet the planners at University of Salford Chapman Building M5 4QW in Feb 2026. 

Planned upgrades include a new 3G all-weather football pitch, a new 2G all-weather sand pitch for hockey, tennis and recreational 11-a-side football, modular changing facilities, accessible parking spaces and new vehicular and pedestrian access. Improved lighting, signage, sustainable surface water drainage measures and landscaping also form part of the proposals. The upgrades will be in line with the University’s ongoing commitment to delivering biodiversity net gain together with other ecological enhancements.

Mark Wantling, Chief Infrastructure Officer at University of Salford, says that the proposed upgrades will allow for the pitches to be used by more people, more of the time and for a wider variety of sports.

“We are keen to increase participation and engagement in sports and physical activity by students, staff and the local community. Our vision for the David Lewis Playing Fields will open them up to more members of the community and will enable increased use of the sports pitches, especially over winter.

“The changes will also enhance the environment of the playing fields. By increasing native planting and adding more effective lighting and landscaping, we’ll help to make the area generally more welcoming.”

The development forms part of the University of Salford’s Campus Connectivity Plan (CCP) which will see the redevelopment of teaching spaces and public areas around its Frederick Road and Peel Park campuses.

The Playing Fields form part of the wider Crescent Development Framework (‘CDF’), which outlines the plans for the regeneration of the 240-acre Crescent Salford area and was adopted by Salford City Council in January 2021. Sustainability is a key priority and the design will support the Crescent Partnership’s mission to make the city fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive for all.

Anyone who is interested can provide feedback by filling out the online questionnaire, emailing DLPF@asteerplanning.com or by writing to David Lewis Playing Fields, Asteer Planning, Calico, 53-55 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HQ.