Plans have been tabled for a £1bn development at Salford’s Regent Retail Park. The scheme by Henley Investments includes new additions to the city’s skyline, with permission sought for a 71-storey skyscraper.
It aims to deliver up to 3,300 new homes and 10,000 square metres of commercial and community space, along with a new public park. The park is proposed to bring a minimum of 21,351 sq m of public open space, and a minimum of 5,826 sq m of private open space to the area.
The development is based at the northern half of Salford’s Regent Retail Park near the boundary with Manchester city centre, with bosses behind the plan confident it will have a positive impact on ‘both sides of the Irwell.’
The retail park is currently used by a number of stores including Boots and TK Maxx. The proposals have been designed by Matt Brook Architects and LDA Design, and aim to create a ‘new community’ at the site while ‘welcoming in the existing community of Ordsall.’
It includes creating a ‘new green oasis for Salford’ with space for people to walk and cycle, and providing access to nature in an urban setting. A planning report states that the proposed new homes will be a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom properties spread across ten buildings.
There are plans for a central ‘Community Forum’ within the development, as well as providing local shops and an ‘enhanced’ retail offer. Matt Brook, director of Matt Brook Architects, said:
“At the heart of our placemaking-led, people-first vision for Regent Park is a new urban park which will provide much needed green space for the residents of Salford.
“Our masterplan creates a safe, walkable and inclusive neighbourhood where nature and architecture work together harmoniously, fostering a community that prioritises liveability and wellbeing.”
The scheme has faced concerns from Salford council and the local community. In March last year, Salford Mayor Paul Dennett shared an open letter raising concerns about the potential loss of retail space that could come with the development.
And a public consultation on the scheme brought up fears from the community about overdevelopment and infrastructure issues.
The proposed development does not include any affordable homes, but the developer plans to make a ‘very significant’ contribution to the provision of local infrastructure.
