City of Salford & University Masterplan
A transformational masterplan framework for a significant part of the city

In June 2017, 5plus was selected to vision a masterplan following a design competition that saw bids from 17 national and international practices.

The 2018 University of Salford and Crescent Masterplan provided the City and the University with its first comprehensive and jointly-developed vision for the Crescent, Adelphi and University districts of the city. Underpinning that vision was the ambitious redevelopment and realisation of underutilised land and assets surrounding the University’s core Peel Park campus whilst also improving wider community access and benefit; the need for more homes and a revitalised University campus through targeted renewal and investment in people; place and culture.

The masterplan capitalised on the indigenous assets of the area; the country’s first ‘public’ city park; the first unconditionally free public library in the country; the River Irwell; numerous arts, cultural and heritage assets; a number of industry and business partners; a central main-line railway station and a University – the area provides Greater Manchester with one of the region’s most compelling regeneration opportunities only minutes from central Manchester.

In 2020, English Cities Fund (Homes England, Muse and L&G) were appointed as Private Sector Partner (PSP) to assist with the delivery of that vision. The PSP will provide investment and enable development; working with the City and the University in partnership, adding vision and value whilst delivering projects with a balanced approach to economics, social value, community benefit and environmental sustainability combined with a sensitive approach to Salford’s history and legacy.

For the University, the 2018 Masterplan provided a framework for the disposal and redevelopment of parts of the estate, as well as the comprehensive renewal of much of the remaining campus. It also identified a need for investment in infrastructure and improved campus connectivity. It proposed a radical and comprehensive transport review; suggested the further development of an environmental and energy infrastructure plan as well investment in new digital teaching and learning technologies.

More recently we have been working directly with the University of Salford on a refresh of their academic vision.  This 2020-2035 Masterplan Refresh, explores in further detail, the University’s proposed property strategy for delivering the 2018 masterplan vision across campus. It provides a comprehensive review of the existing estate; the University’s vision and Industry Collaboration Strategy; its student numbers and growth predictions and provides a detailed framework for incremental investment and improvement over the next 15 years and is due to be endorsed by University Council in October 2020.