Ollier Smurthwaite reveals latest project in Greengate masterplan

Architect Ollier Smurthwaite has unveiled proposals for two apartment blocks off King Street in Salford’s Greengate, featuring 104 homes over blocks of 14 and eight storeys.

The proposals are being brought forward by Bradley Manor, a developer which lists the architect’s partners Matthew Ollier and Alaster Smurthwaite as directors.

Sitting within Salford’s Greengate regeneration area, the site bordered by King Street and Queen Street, just off Blackfrairs Road and Trinity Way, is home to low-rise industrial units which are set to be demolished to make way for the apartment blocks. One of these was built in the 19^th century, but is unlisted. The site was purchased in two parcels between 2015 and 2016; the first for £250,000, and the second for £600,000 in September 2016.

These will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bed apartments, with the tallest reaching 14 storeys while the other reaches eight. There will be 50 one-beds, 52 two-beds, and two three-beds; 59 of the homes will be in the taller tower, while 45 will be in the eight-storey block.

There are also plans for commercial units at ground-floor level in both blocks, while the 11-storey building will also have residents’ amenity space at ground floor. A central courtyard will be created at first floor level, while rooftop terraces are planned for the eighth and 12^th floors.

Co-working space is proposed at ground-floor level

One of the commercial blocks is also due to house co-working space.

At 14 storeys, the plans are on a smaller scale than other nearby blocks and those set out in Salford’s Greengate masterplan; however, Ollier Smurthwaite said this approach was deliberate to create a “stepping down” effect to the existing Spectrum building, which is of a similar height, and the existing listed buildings in the area.

As part of Salford Council’s masterplan for the Greengate area, tall buildings are primarily concentrated around the River Irwell; these include the 44-storey 100 Greengate, currently under construction by Renaker, and Elliot Group’s The Residence, a 34-storey PRS scheme being built by Forrest. Other developments ongoing in the area are Select Property’s 209-home Laurence Place next to CitySuites. Site clearance for the project is well under way.

The Greengate masterplan suggests around five blocks of significant height in the area, including The Residence and 100 Greengate, while around smaller-scale blocks are proposed for the area around Blackfriars Road.

This mid-scale development will focus around Greengate Park as a centrepiece for the area, while public realm improvements will link through from Collier Street to Market Cross.

Salford City Council adopted the masterplan in May this year. The professional team on Ollier Smurthwaite’s proposals includes Civic Engineers and Paul Butler Associates.