A “transformational” plan to redevelop part of Salford city centre has been approved.
The £2.5billion scheme, known as Crescent Innovation North, has scope to deliver nearly 1,000 new homes on 29 acres of land to the north and south of Frederick Road. The design aims to deliver a number of new buildings up to 11 storeys tall, with offices earmarked for businesses, education and research, and 800 car parking spaces.
It is expected to create new ‘high skilled jobs’ related to science, research, engineering and technology – part of an innovation district in Salford of ‘regional and national significance.’
The scheme is located north of Salford University’s campus around Peel Park, close to Salford Crescent train station. It includes plans for shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and a gym at the site, alongside vehicle, cycle and pedestrian access improvements.
Construction is set to take place over 15 years, creating more than 1,800 jobs once operational and fully occupied – pumping £30 million per year into the economy.
A Salford council report described the proposal as a ‘wholly transformative regeneration’ project for the city. Cycle parking is planned across the site, with public realm and green space improvements, the provision of new outdoor amenity space, and the installation of new drainage infrastructure.
A ‘garden’ bridge is set to be built as part of the work, creating a pedestrian and cycle link across Frederick Road known as ‘Salford Rise.’
The outline planning application was submitted to Salford council by the English Cities Fund (ECF), and given the green light by councillors at a town hall meeting on July 18.
Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council, said the plan would be “transformational.”
He added:
“This is going to fundamentally change how people coming into the city for the first time experience it.”
John Warmisham, a councillor for the Pendleton and Charlestown ward, said:
“When we first sat down and saw this we thought it was all pie in the sky, a figment of our imagination. To actually see the outline planning now is so exciting. Certainly that area needs redevelopment, it is looking very tired and old so this is just absolutely fantastic.”
Further planning applications are due to be submitted for various phases of the work.
The plan came about after Salford council and the University of Salford appointed ECF as development partner to help deliver the Crescent Development Framework – a series of proposals to transform the area.
Work is now set to begin at Crescent Innovation North with a phased demolition of all the existing buildings at the site, apart from the Salford Innovation Forum.
Wider plans for regeneration in the Salford Crescent area includes a proposal to build a third platform at the train station to help increase capacity and reduce delays.
Transport for Greater Manchester has also outlined its intentions to expand the Metrolink around Salford, with the option of a new tram line linking Salford Crescent and Salford Quays, and extending the Trafford line to Salford Community Stadium and Port Salford.
The work is aimed at improving transport connections and creating more homes in the rapidly growing city.
Speaking about the Crescent Innovation North proposals last year, Salford Mayor Paul Dennett said it would help create “world-class research and development facilities” which local people and businesses could benefit from.
He added:
“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.”
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, Professor Nic Beech, commented:
“This is a major milestone in our shared mission to transform Salford into a global hub for innovation and groundbreaking research. Working alongside our Crescent partners, we are committed to advancing our vision of creating world-class facilities that will benefit local residents and businesses. I am thrilled that this significant planning application has been approved and eagerly anticipate seeing our shared vision come to life.”
Max Bentham, Development Director at ECF, said:
“The approval of the plans for Crescent Innovation marks a significant step forward in our collective mission to make Salford a global hub for innovation and groundbreaking research. The city has always been a pioneer of industry, and the creation of Crescent Innovation will equip Salford – and the wider region – with the facilities and opportunities to make an impact on the world stage, as well as driving growth and prosperity.”
