A new Salford University building could help researchers improve lives around the world thanks to their work on the science of sound.
Planning permission for the University’s new 1,300sqm acoustics facility, based on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street, has been granted by Salford council.
The new site will be home to the University’s acoustics team – whose research on sound and noise helps companies create products which are sold around the world, as well as for regulations and standards in the UK and internationally.
Recent projects have included managing noise from drones, developing e-scooter alarm noises, and making forklift trucks safer.
Work on the new Acoustics building is set to begin this summer with construction lasting around 18 months.
“Every person on earth is affected by what they can or cannot hear, which is why acoustics as a science is so significant,” said Claire Lomax, director of the National Institute of Airborne Acoustic Metrology at Salford University.
“To have this facility in Salford shows the University’s commitment to innovation to enrich lives – in this case through pioneering research, impacting policy and industry standards, and shaping products sold worldwide.”
Salford University has been researching acoustics for more than six decades, and said it has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands to make sure their products have acceptable levels of noise.
The new building is part of an innovation zone in the £2.5bn Salford Crescent masterplan led by ECF, Salford University, and Salford council.
Regeneration work is bringing major changes to the area, with projects such as Salford Rise on the way – which will be an 11-metre wide and 220-metre long pedestrian and cycling bridge across Frederick Road.
The work also includes creating spaces for businesses and thousands of new homes in the city, with plans moving forward to build at the Farmer Norton car park on Cleminson Street.
Morgan Sindall Construction are working on the new Acoustics building, having previously worked with the University on creating the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre.
Salford city mayor Paul Dennett said research at the University’s new Acoustics building will “improve lives for generations to come.”
“This state-of-the-art acoustics building will be an incredible addition to the growing Crescent innovation zone, building on the completed North of England Robotics Innovation Centre and Salford Rise, which is due to complete next year.
“By investing in world-class facilities like this, the University are not only supporting our local economy, but contributing to global advancements in acoustics.”
The new acoustics building has been designed to be all-electric, using low-energy and low-carbon technologies to minimise energy use and lower the carbon footprint of the building.
Max Bentham, development director at ECF, added: “The highly sustainable building will function as a training hub for the next generation of acoustics experts, offering cutting-edge research facilities aimed at enhancing quality of life by reducing the harm caused by noise.
“Bringing industry and education together, it will further cement Salford as a leader in this field.
“With Salford Rise on site and work on Willohaus set to complete next year, the approval of plans for the Acoustics Building marks an exciting next step in the creation of the Crescent Salford masterplan.
“As momentum builds, the vision is becoming a reality.”
