Plans for a new stadium were first discussed more than ten years ago but Buckingham is now working on the ground remediation contract after having a £4m bid for preparatory works accepted by Salford City Council.

The new 15,000-capacity community stadium is being built as part of a joint venture company formed by the council and property developer Peel Holdings.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is funding the £4m cost of preparing the Barton site for development.

Detailed proposals for the development will be considered by council planners in August with construction of the new stadium set to start in October with a completion date of December 2011.