Works begin to protect historic Crescent pub

In October, Salford City Council served an Urgent Works Notice on the owners to protect the Grade II building from further decay. The notice set out the works that were considered necessary. The building dates back to the early 19th century and closed its doors to the public in 2017.

Following the notice, the owners confirmed they would undertake the necessary repairs themselves, avoiding the need for the council to step in and recover costs.

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure at Salford City Council, said: “After serving the notice we built up a constructive dialogue with the owners of the building and we approved their plans to carry out the works. We must thank them for their efforts in doing this.

“Our priority has always been to protect this city’s heritage and we will continue to use all our powers to protect this unique landmark.”

Historic England’s Catherine Dewar said: "It's really encouraging to see Salford City Council stepping up to protect this special building, and then working closely with the owners to find a way forward. We're delighted this has resulted in the owners starting work on the much-needed repairs themselves.”

The Crescent pub is of cultural significance 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 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 local authorities can use to enforce works which are urgently necessary for the preservation of a vacant listed building in their area.