Proposals for £2.5bn Salford masterplan submitted
The first phase of proposals for a £2.5bn development in Salford been handed over to local councillors.
The English Cities Fund (ECF) has submitted outlines for a 1.7 million sq ft innovation district and 933 homes within a site between Broughton Road East and University Road. The site sits in close proximity to Salford University, Salford Royal Foundation Trust, and MediaCity.
The initial proposals include: 1.4 million sq ft of ‘commercial innovation floorspace’; 25,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space; a 260,000 sq ft multi-storey movement hub with parking; and 71,000 sq ft of learning facilities.
It would see all buildings within the site, called Crescent Innovation North, demolished except for Innovation House, which would be refurbished.
The wider Salford Crescent masterplan, which covers 240 acres of the city, includes proposals to construct 145,000 sq ft of retail space, a 165,000 sq ft hotel, 2.4 million sq ft of research and industry space, and over 2,650 homes.
Set up in 2001, ECF is a strategic joint venture between Muse, Legal & General, and Homes England. It was recently selected to deliver the next phase of nearby Stockport’s regeneration.
Make Architects is leading the project’s design while CBRE are advising the ECF on the developments.
Julian Stott, development director at ECF, said: “The vision for Crescent is unique and we’re working hard for the people of Salford to turn that vision into reality.
“People make places and Crescent Innovation North, as an important stage of major regeneration, will connect communities across the city to opportunities to enable them to thrive and prosper.”
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, added: “With our Crescent partners – the English Cities Fund and the University of Salford – we are pushing ahead with our vision to create world-class research and development facilities that local people and businesses can benefit from.
“The Crescent Innovation North proposals are a key element of the wider vision for the Crescent area and will change the face of the area through the creation of a high-quality innovation environment, where people can achieve their full potential.”