“He was very proud of being from Salford” – Remembering Joe Martin

Born and raised in Salford, Joe Martin’s life has continued to be celebrated years after his death. 

The former conservation officer for Salford City Council, had proved to have a major impact on the heritage of Salford’s rich assets.

Joe was the council’s longest-serving officer, having served for almost 40 years.

And after spending years inspecting old and new buildings in and around Salford, he was able to build a huge reputation.

And due to the reputation he left behind, no one else has replaced him in this role since.

And with his passion for his job that was often called a “hobby”, he was able to engross himself in the history of the city, and embroiding himself into the culture also.

Within the role as a  conservation officer, he was vital to the restoration of Salford’s history that include various major construction jobs in the area, including Ordsall Hall and The Monton Lighthouse.

As his brother Pete Martin remembered: “A guy came in and said, ‘I want to build a lighthouse’ and Joe absolutely loved the idea, he loved something different.

“The guy didn’t think he’d be able to get it through planning so Joe said, leave it with me. It now stands there in Monton, the lighthouse on the canal.”

Joe was the council’s longest-serving officer, having served for almost 40 years.

And after being raised in Salford, going to the school at the De La Salle College on Weaste Lane, he shared a major love for his city throughout his career. 

As his brother Pete Martin added: “He loved his job. It was like getting paid for doing a hobby.

“When Joe died, I went to see his boss who was telling me not just how popular he was at work, but how good he was.

“He absolutely loved what he was doing.”

And it was his dedication to his work that made the unveiling of the new street ‘Joe Martin Street’ on Sunday 27 October more than fitting.

Being unveiled by local councillor and friend Phillip Cusack, felt it was important to create something in memory of him and his work.

Pete said: “Phil had been waiting for an appropriate time to name the street because Joe had such an impact with his work.

“This is a really appropriate place for Joe Martin Street, because it’s in Salford.

“This is a really appropriate place for Joe Martin Street, because it’s in Salford. It is fairly close to where he went to school with Phil and it’s affordable housing, which Joe was also interested in, all in all it was just a perfect place.”

He added: “Joe absolutely loved being a Salfordian. He was very proud of being from Salford, knew loads about it.

“I am very proud of our Joe, really proud of what he has done for Salford.”

But it wasn’t only his passion for work that made him a popular character, as Pete continued: “Joe was the baby of the family, the youngest of 12. We grew up pretty close.

“I started playing guitar, when I was 13. Joe was only nine when I started but by the time he was 15, he started to show some interest in it too.

“I’d already been singing in clubs on my own, but then Joe was really keen so we decided we’d go and try it together. We had a pretty successful 40 years. We did gigs in mostly clubs and small local pubs.”

And with the family being able to reminisce and enjoy the memory of the former conservation officer singing and unveiling his new street sign, Joe Martin will forever be in the history of Salford for years to come.