900 homes approved in Salford through the £2.5bn ‘masterplan’

Plans to build more than 900 homes on a 29-acre site around the Salford Crescent have been approved.

The plans comprise 933 new homes, 1.7m sq. ft. of new commercial innovation, academic and research floor space, active ground-floor space and a new movement hub.

The development site between Broughton Road East and University Road is a major part of the £2.5bn, 252-acre Crescent Salford masterplan.

The 29-acre site aims to drive economic growth in the city and wider region, facilitating enhanced links between academia, research and business.

The development site named ‘Crescent Innovation’ will also be linked to the wider masterplan by Salford Rise – a near five-acre podium which will span Frederick Road.

The 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 ground-breaking 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.”

The proposals are being brought forward by the Crescent partnership, comprised of Salford City Council, the University of Salford, and English Cities Fund – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “With our Crescent partners – ECF 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 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. I am delighted to see that this important planning application has been approved and look forward to seeing our vision delivered on the ground.”

The go-ahead for Crescent Innovation follows the completion of three world-leading university facilities – the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, the Science, Engineering, and Environment (SEE) building, and Energy House 2.0. 

CBRE advised ECF on planning for Crescent Innovation, while Make Architects is leading on design.

To view the plans, search for application reference number 23/81238/OUTEIA on Salford City Council’s planning portal.