5plus wins Salford University 240-acre masterplan
The University of Salford and Salford City Council have appointed 5plus Architects as masterplanner to create a development framework for the university’s estate and a future vision for the wider area.
5plus was selected following a competition that saw bids from 17 national and international practices.
The brief is to review the university’s entire estate at Peel Park, and the nearby city area, to create one city district covering 244 acres, connecting with surrounding neighbourhoods.
The University estate extends north and south of The Crescent, taking in the listed elements of the Musuem & Art Gallery, to Salford Crescent station and includes green spaces at the Meadows, Peel Park and the David Lewis Sports Ground.
Tony Skipper, 5plus director, said: “The joint leadership approach from the University and the City demonstrates a shared ambition around local innovation, good design and place making for this hugely significant part of Salford.
“The opportunities presented by the masterplan are vast. It will be about more than just creating a new signature for the University. It will be about understanding how local people, culture, heritage, industry, sport and leisure contribute to place and how the framework will allow Salford to look forward with absolute confidence.”
The University’s seven schools are served by 2,500 staff and attract more than 20,000 national and international students.
Jason Challender, director of estates and facilities at the University of Salford, said: “It is great news for the University and the city as a whole that we have signed this deal. The plan is ambitious and will transform both the campus and the surrounding area. We look forward to working with 5plus and seeing our vision come to life.”
- Place North West’s Universities as Regenerators event is on 6 July – click here to book
