Salford City Council has approved Crescent Innovation, a vital component of the £2.5 billion, 252-acre Crescent Salford masterplan.
The Crescent partnership, consisting of Salford City Council, the University of Salford, and English Cities Fund (ECF), is spearheading this transformative project. This significant initiative includes 933 new homes, 1.7 million square feet of new commercial innovation, academic, and research spaces, a bustling ground-floor area, and a new movement hub. Additionally, it promises to enhance public spaces substantially.
Crescent Innovation is set to establish a high-quality ecosystem for innovation around the University of Salford, thereby fueling economic growth in Salford and the wider region. It aims to strengthen the connections between academia, research, and business. Spanning 29 acres between Broughton Road East and University Road, it will link to the broader masterplan via Salford Rise. Salford Rise, a near five-acre podium, will bridge Frederick Road, creating a crucial gateway between the University’s campus and the wider innovation zone.
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, emphasised, “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 look forward to seeing our vision delivered on the ground.”
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, Prof Nic Beech, said, “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, remarked, “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.”
Crescent Innovation is part of the larger Crescent masterplan being executed by ECF in partnership with Salford City Council and the University of Salford. It aims to bridge industry, education, and the local community by providing over 3,000 homes, one million square feet of offices, retail and leisure spaces, a new multi-modal transport hub, and extensive green areas. The development is situated within Salford’s Innovation Triangle, encompassing Salford Quays and MediaCity, the University of Salford, and Salford Royal Hospital.
This approval for Crescent Innovation comes on the heels of completing 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 matters, while Make Architects is leading the design.
The go-ahead for Crescent Innovation is a monumental step towards making Salford a global centre for innovation, research, and development. With the collaboration of Salford City Council, the University of Salford, and ECF, this initiative promises to bring significant benefits to local residents, businesses, and the broader region.