Council serves notice on owners of The Crescent pub

Salford City Council has served an Urgent Works Notice on the owners of The Crescent pub.  

The building, which has stood empty since 2017, is in a poor condition and requires immediate action to protect the nationally important listed building.   

The pub - which is listed at Grade II - is of cultural importance to the city and famously associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It is believed to have been one of the informal meeting places where the two thinkers discussed ideas that would later shape modern political theory. The building dates back to the early 19th century and closed its doors to the public in 2017.  

The Urgent Works Notice seeks to protect the Grade II listed building from further decay, and sets out the urgent repairs considered necessary for this purpose. This action will not go as far as to see it fully repaired but will be an important initial first step to making sure the listed building is protected for the future.  

The building is in private ownership and the council has been working with the owners directly to secure the repairs although this has not resulted in any decisive action. The council has had to take action to ensure the asset is not lost. This initial phase will be focused on the interior and rear elements of the building.

A Section 54 notice was served at the pub on Monday 6 October 2025.  It is a legal tool under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 that allows a local authority or Historic England to carry out urgent works, but only after giving notice to the owner. In this case, 10 working days have been given to the owner to allow them a final opportunity to demonstrate their ability and willingness to carry out the works.  Should this not be possible, then the council may complete the works, seeking full recovery of the costs from the owner.  

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure at Salford City Council, said: “We are committed to protecting Salford’s heritage and ensuring that our important landmarks are not lost over time. The Crescent pub holds a unique place in our city’s history, and we cannot allow it to fall further into disrepair.  

“The urgent works will help stabilise the internal structure and prevent further damage while longer-term restoration plans are explored. We will seek full recovery of the costs incurred from the owner. 

“A big thank you must go to Historic England for their vital help and financial support for this action.”  

Historic England’s Catherine Dewar said: "We fully support Salford City Council's decisive action to safeguard The Crescent pub. This Grade II listed building is in an extremely poor condition and is important not only for its architecture but also for its remarkable place in social and political history.  

"We commend Salford City Council for taking this vital first step to prevent further deterioration of this culturally important landmark in such a prominent location in the city, ensuring that buildings with such unique historical associations are preserved for future generations."