English Cities Fund wins £800m Salford innovation district

The public-private developer has beaten Bruntwood with Capital & Centric, Peel with Urban Splash, and Robertson to be named development partner on the 240-acre Salford Crescent masterplan.

ECF is made up of Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England. The team is already prolific in its work in Salford and its appointment may come as no surprise to many; the joint venture is 10 years into the extensive Salford Central masterplan, regenerating 50 acres of the city to deliver projects such as the office and residential New Bailey, and schemes along Chapel Street.

The latest development area centres around much of the University of Salford’s existing campus, including areas around the Crescent, Peel Park, and Frederic Road North.

Overall, the University’s 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.

The masterplan was first announced last year, and the university with Salford City Council launched the search for a private sector partner at MIPIM last March.

CBRE is advising the council and university, while architect 5plus created the masterplan for the site, which splits development into five areas; Adelphi, The Crescent, Peel Park, a Health Village, and Innovation District.

Salford City Council and English Cities Fund have been contacted for comment.