Plans in for Salford robotics centre

Working with the University of Salford, architect 5plus has submitted proposals for a 23,000 sq ft centre of excellence for intelligent automation and robotics.

The building will house robotics and manufacturing labs, teaching space, an automotive laboratory on the ground floor, and roof terraces.

It will serve as a hub for the university’s robotics and automation specialists can work with SMEs using to provide piloting, testing and experimenting with digital innovation.

Disciplines covered by the development include robotics for intelligent infrastructure; digital automation and supply chain improvement; and health, wellbeing, and integrated care technologies.

The University already has an existing robotics function, being home to the National Advanced Robotics Research Centre since 1987.

The existing technology house on the site, which is bounded by Frederick Road to the north, will be demolished to make way for the project.

The building forms part of the University of Salford and Salford Council’s wider £800m masterplan, covering 240 acres across the university’s existing campus, areas around the Crescent, Peel Park, and Frederic Road North.

The proposed robotics centre sits within the masterplan’s ‘innovation district’, which will be the main employment area and will offer incubation and enterprise space for start-ups and SMEs.

Alongside 5plus, the professional team on the centre of excellence also features Dooley Associates, Faithful & Gould, RoC Consulting, and Burohappold.