The race to regenerate Salford has commenced

The University of Salford and the English Cities Fund have submitted new plans for the first phases of the scheme, bringing the project forward.

Titled the Crescent Innovation project, with the first phase costing around £2.5bn, plans will see the development of 933 new homes, 1.4m sq ft of commercial floorspace, 71,000 sq ft of learning facilities, a ‘movement hub’, and 25,000 sq ft of space allocated for retail and dining establishments and a gym. 

As well as provided much needed new-homes to help the government reach their target of providing 300,000 new homes per year and helping people who are struggling to find an affordable place to live as the cost-of-living continues to climb, the design of the new project includes the introduction of multiple green space facilities including green park areas and rooftop greenery.

The plan is a joint venture between Muse, Legal & General, and Homes England and, overall, is expected to cover 240 acres, including 2.4m sq ft of research and industry space and provide over 2,650 homes.

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: ‘With our Crescent partners – the English Cities Fund and 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.’

If planning for the project is approved, work is scheduled to break ground by the end of the year, with a projected timeline of 10 years.

Image: C Dustin