22 Jan, 2010
The biggest-ever planning application for the city of Salford has been given the green light by Salford City Council in a unanimous decision.
The application, submitted by English Cities Fund (ECf) with the support of Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company was larger than that submitted for the first phase of MediaCityUK and will link key sites such as the University of Salford and The Crescent, Chapel Street and the region’s business district – Spinningfields.
Covering an area of 17.744ha – equivalent to 21 international football pitches – it follows more than two years of consultation with the community and stakeholders and aims to deliver the holistic regeneration of this important part of Salford for the benefit of existing and potential residents, businesses and visitors.
Sir Michael Lyons, non-executive Chairman of the English Cities Fund, said: “I am delighted that Salford City Council has resolved to grant planning permission for this English Cities Fund development. The decision is a significant landmark and lays the foundations for the much needed regeneration of this area. There remains a considerable amount of work to do before development commences however, with the continued support of its partners and the local community, I am confident that ECf will produce a development that Salford can be proud of.”
The approved plans will create the conditions to assist the successful regeneration of the area, which includes a number of distinct districts including: Salford Central Station, Chapel Street, Adelphi and the Historic Core, which features the Adelphi and Bexley Square Conservation Area and listed buildings such as St Philips Church and Salford Cathedral.
The Chapel Street area occupies a key location and is the western gateway, which links the rest of Salford, including MediaCityUK, through to Manchester city centre. The plans would see Chapel Street restored, improving the setting of its historic buildings and putting the heart back into Salford.
The proposed development is centred on creating sustainable communities with the correct balance of uses. New offices, commercial, retail and leisure uses will be complemented by family housing and apartments linked by high-quality public realm and civic spaces.
A new square, St Johns Place, is planned to maximise the view of the newly renovated Salford Cathedral. A new Commercial Quarter will make the most of Salford’s strategic location next to Spinningfields and the corporate heart of Manchester.
Chris Farrow, Chief Executive of Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company, said: “Today’s decision marks a critical milestone in the regeneration of this key area of the City. Over the last 2 years Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company, in close partnership with our public and private sector partners, local businesses and communities, has worked tirelessly on the planning, design and consultation for the Chapel Street area.
“We can now look forward to driving forward the regeneration of the Chapel Street area to create a vibrant, urban centre and a more beautiful setting for its many historical and natural assets.”
The floor space for the proposed development includes: 849 new homes, 390 hotel rooms, 24,000 square metres of retail, food and drink and entertainment space and 197,000 square metres of office space.
Cllr Derek Antrobus, Salford City Council lead member for planning said: “This is an ambition of local people, local businesses as well as the local council. We are delighted our vision to restore Salford’s city centre has been taken a step forward today by the approval of this planning application.”
The application takes into consideration planning guidance to protect and contribute to the key views in Salford and many of the key vistas will be maximised. Public realm will also play a key part in the regeneration of Central Salford with cycle routes, footpaths and new open spaces included in the design.
Source: Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company