Salford student scheme secures support 

Topping out at 27 storeys, Q Developments’ PBSA tower will see a disused brownfield site redeveloped, providing a welcome 538-room injection into the city’s supply of student accommodation. 

Salford City Council yesterday approved the developer’s plans, which will see the former McDonald’s regional head office on Cross Lane knocked down. 

The development will help meet the demand for accommodation for the city’s student population, which is estimated to grow by 17% over the next five years, according to research by Knight Frank. 

Designed by Broadway Malyan, Q Developments’ Salford Steps comprises a single 27-storey tower with a 19-storey shoulder block close to Salford Crescent train station and falls within the £2.5bn Crescent masterplan.   

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. 

Broadway Malyan is leading on design. Credit: via planning documents