Q’s 27-storey Salford student tower to progress 

London-based Q Developments wants to knock down the former McDonald’s regional head office on Cross Lane and build a 538-bedroom scheme. 

Salford City Council’s planning committee will meet next Thursday to run the rule over the 27-storey scheme, which is located close to Salford Crescent train station and falls within the £2.5bn Crescent masterplan. 

The authority’s planning officers have recommended the project for approval, stating in a report that the scheme would make a “substantial contribution towards addressing the significant need for additional purpose-built student accommodation within this part of the city, supporting its role as a centre of learning, knowledge and development”. 

Analysis by Knight Frank demonstrates a need for student accommodation in Salford and calculates that there are currently 3.2 students per PBSA bed in the city, taking into account a pipeline of 2,125 beds.  

In addition, “full-time students in Salford, based on historic trends, are projected to rise by over 17% over the next five years,” the report states. 

Designed by Broadway Malyan, Q Development’s Salford Steps comprises a single 27-storey tower with a 19-storey shoulder block. Earlier proposals for the scheme outlined plans for a 40-storey tower on the site.  

However, the height of the development was scaled back during pre-application discussions. 

A draft Section 106 agreement that would see Q contribute more than £1m towards local infrastructure and projects is in place should the project be approved. 

The Crescent masterplan features outline proposals for a second residential tower next to Q’s site on a plot currently occupied by a McDonald’s restaurant.  

The former McDonald’s head office has been vacant since 2020.   

DPP is the planning consultant advising Q. To learn more about the project, search for reference number 23/81201/FUL on Salford City Council’s planning portal.