Planit wins further Salford work

Already part of the Crescent Salford regeneration masterplan team, the urban design practice has been chosen by the University of Salford to lead on a public realm transformation across its campuses.

Planit intends to start consultations in the coming weeks on the project, which sits within the university’s campus connectivity plan, covering redevelopment across its research, teaching and public spaces.

In turn, this all sits within the wider Crescent Salford masterplan, where the educational institution is working with Salford City Council and ECF, on which Planit is also working, having co-produced the original Crescent development framework for ECF.

One aspect of this, now on site, is the five-acre elevated walkway Salford Rise, billed as a £15m “green gateway”. Planit has also previously worked on the University’s 2022-delivered NERIC building, with Morgan Sindall and building architect 5plus; and is engaged on the 14,500 sq ft acoustics centre now in the planning pipeline for the Peel Park campus.

Mark Wantling, chief infrastructure officer at the University of Salford, said: “We are in the middle of extensive regeneration of several buildings and areas of our campus. Creating better public spaces which enrich lives for everyone to enjoy is important to us, and we are really looking forward to seeing Planit’s ideas come to life.”

Recent Planit projects elsewhere include work at Ancoats Green, Manchester, as well as MMU’s All Saints Park and public realm. The open areas outside Factory International, Aviva Studios were also designed by Planit.

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Georgina Baines, landscape architecture director at Planit, said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed by University of Salford to lead the public realm strategy for the campus. The university’s ambition to become a global leader on climate action, nature recovery and social equality aligns seamlessly with Planit’s regenerative design mission.

“Our mission is to guide the landscape and public realm transformation holistically connecting up the 47-acre space to deliver widespread benefits to students, the community and the planet.”

The university’s public realm review has brought together academics, professional service staff and external colleagues.

Mike Hardman, professor of urban sustainability at the University has been leading the group. He said: “Our shared vision is to create a people-focused environment which will enhance wellbeing, support biodiversity, and bring our community together through vibrant and accessible outdoor spaces.

“We have already conducted several high-impact improvements across campus, including traffic calming measures, biodiversity improvements and upgrades in lighting and path surfaces.”

Planit will work closely with a wider team help to deliver the project. The university will announce further details later this year.