Planning success for Salford ‘eco-community’
Once built, The Avenues will offer 33 apartments across three blocks next to the River Irwell, in Lower Broughton. The scheme aims to present a “new model for sustainable living”, according to the developer.
Altrincham-based Rooted Developments aims to bring into use a derelict half-acre site on the banks of the river, behind houses on Cromwell Grove, Benedict Close, and The Avenue in Salford. The s-shaped plot mainly comprises rough open space. The approved scheme will bring forward three residential blocks, raised on stilts and two, three, and five storeys in height.
The blocks will contain a mix of 33 one- and two-bedroom apartments available to rent. The homes will have access to a communal kitchen, dining, and living space, as well as coworking facilities, a herb garden, an orchard, and additional outdoor space. There will also be car parking and landscaping, and the site would be accessed via The Avenue and St Boniface Road.
Ollier Smurthwaite Architects designed the scheme. Paul Butler Associates is the planning consultant, and Exterior Architecture is the landscape designer.
The living model proposed “has sustainability at its core and speaks to the sensibilities of younger generations to create a home for people seeking a solution on how to live in better harmony with nature”, Rooted says in its planning application.
Rooted Developments’ director is Derfogail Delcassian, a US- and UK-based scientist, entrepreneur, and immunoengineering researcher at Berkeley University, who specialises in designing healthcare and engineering technologies for the future, her website states. She is also involved in urban regeneration projects across the US and Europe.
The Avenue is intended to “pioneer a new standard for ecological and sustainable living in Salford,” she wrote to Salford City Council in the planning application cover letter. Eco features include allotments, rainwater harvesting, and triple-glazed windows. Meanwhile, the landscaping plan seeks to restore the historic riverside walkway, provide external growing and green space such as the allotments, an orchard, and a herb garden, to integrate biodiversity within the building.
“If approved, we expect this development will attract a cohort of young professional renters interested in living in a bespoke, sustainable, carbon-neutral building within cycle/walk commuting distance of amenities in Greater Manchester,” Delcassian said.
Salford City Council approved the plans under delegated powers last week. Section 106 and other negotiations are still being finalised.
The application is ref 21/78079/FUL with Salford City Council.
