Salford moves forward with 274-home Ordsall scheme 

Around 10 acres off Robert Hall Street and West Park Street would be redeveloped into 137 houses and 137 apartments, under plans drawn up by the city council. 

Designed by Buttress Architects, the Ordsall scheme would feature a mix of two-, to four-bedroom homes in buildings up to five storeys. 

Around 40% of which would be affordable and managed by Derive, Salford City Council’s housing company. 

“Our designs focus on several elements, creating great community connections, using a blend of townhouses and apartments,” said Ben Tabiner, associate director at Buttress Architects. 

“Over 40% would be affordable homes that will help with the cost-of-living crisis, establishing a range of public green spaces and making sure that the community is pleased with the design.” 

The plots have long been earmarked by the city council for redevelopment into housing and were previously marketed for sale alongside two smaller ones fronting Ordsall Lane.  

However, in early 2021, the authority opted not to accept any of the six bids it had received for the land, opting instead to go down the self-build route. 

The city council is currently seeking a contractor to build out the £60m scheme. 

Buttress is leading on design. Credit: Our Studio

Cllr Tracy Kelly, lead member for housing, property and regeneration at Salford City Council, said: “Affordable homes are desperately needed in our city, and we currently have almost 5,000 people on our housing waiting lists. We are continuing to push forward with local solutions against the backdrop of a national cost-of-living and housing crisis.” 

To support carbon emission targets the homes would be delivered to meet the ‘Salford Standard’, which the council claims exceeds the Future Homes standard and combines a fabric-first approach supported with renewable technology. 

Identity Consult is providing planning and project management expertise. 

Alex Atkinson, director of Identity Consult, said: “Identity Consult is delighted to be progressing another scheme on behalf of the Council which builds on the lessons learnt from our previous schemes, focusing on a fabric-first approach which critically, requires consistency across all new homes whilst requiring contractors to exceed Future Homes standards.  

“We are pleased to be part of the team bringing forward more much-needed affordable housing in Salford which will offer its residents a fantastic standard of living and reduced energy costs.” 

To learn more, search for reference number PA/2023/0425 on Salford City Council’s planning portal. 

The scheme’s tallest building would top out at five storeys. Credit: Our Studio