Salford Business School , Uni of Salford, p Uni of Salford

Plans for major schemes including a Business School are set to transform the area over the coming years. Credit: via University of Salford

Salford partnership to refresh £2.5bn Crescent masterplan

2 November 2026 11:35 Dan Whelan Comments ()

The framework underpinning the transformation of 240 acres around the city’s university is to be given an update following significant development within the study area over the five years since it was adopted.

Major investment by the University of Salford to upgrade its campus since the Crescent Development Framework was adopted in 2021 – as well as residential schemes by development partner ECF – has prompted a refresh, which includes ditching plans for 2,000 student beds.

WATCH: Learn more about Crescent Salford

Salford City Council, the university, and ECF – made up of Muse, L&G, and Homes England’s National Housing Bank – will seek views from stakeholders on the proposed changes to the masterplan during a consultation running from 16 November to 28 December.

Asteer Planning, Make, and Planit have been appointed by ECF to carry out the update, which will include:

Refinement of character area boundaries including splitting phase one – the innovation zone – into two; one focussed on health specifically and one on general innovation

Removal of plans for around 2,000 PBSA units around the Peel Park Campus

Updating the illustrative masterplan to reflect development completed, approved, under construction or progressing through planning

Reflecting the University’s evolving estate strategy and Campus Connectivity Plan – construction of new facilities for the university’s acoustics and health departments is ongoing, while plans for a £64m business school are in the works

Updates to blue and green infrastructure plans to achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain in line with national policy

Renewed emphasis on the long-term transformation of the A6 corridor.

The overarching aim of the £2.5bn project remains the same, namely to “build on existing assets to transform this area of Salford into a globally recognised destination for people to live, learn, work, visit and be active”, according to partners.

Aspirations for a Metrolink line connecting Salford Crescent to Salford Quays are also still part of the long-term plan.

Charlie Alcroft, development manager at ECF, said: “As Crescent partners, we have made significant steps forward over the past five years, including the completion of Willohaus, planning permission for a further 490 homes within Adelphi Village and progress at Crescent Innovation through Salford Rise and the acoustics building on the University campus.

“This early progress has catalysed the transformation of Crescent Salford, laying the framework for future regeneration. The addendum takes into consideration what has been delivered so far and the changing regional context to provide greater certainty on what people can expect to see over the next decade.”

Cllr Mike McCusker, deputy city mayor and lead member for planning, transport, sustainable development and regeneration at Salford City Council, said: “The Crescent Salford masterplan is transforming this part of the city, bringing new investment, homes, jobs and opportunities for local people.

“The proposed updates build on the significant progress that has already been made while ensuring the framework continues to reflect our ambitions for the future.

“While our overall vision remains the same, it is important that residents, businesses and stakeholders have the opportunity to review the changes and share their views. I would encourage everyone with an interest in the area to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of this important regeneration project.”