Salford's Crescent area set for major transformation: 204 sustainable homes and public park proposed

H2O Urban plans to transform a current car park into a vibrant residential district, with 204 homes and a public linear park at Upper Wharf Street in Salford, aiming to make a significant contribution to the area's regeneration.

By Manchester's Finest | 21 July 2023

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A public consultation has been launched on H2O Urban’s proposal to construct 204 new, high-quality homes at Upper Wharf Street in Salford, signalling a transformative step in residential development within the area. H2O Urban, a joint venture by the Canal & River Trust and bloc Ltd, specialises in waterside developments.

The site, currently a surface car park, is situated between Upper Wharf Street, Oldfield Road, and the railway. Notably, the line of the former Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal runs through this proposed residential area.

Developed in response to Salford City Council’s Crescent Development Framework, the proposal is designed to meet the Framework’s vision of making the Crescent area a successful and vibrant new district in Salford. The proposed development seeks to satisfy the increasing demand for high-quality housing in the area. The plan includes 204 rentable homes across two buildings, standing seven and eleven storeys tall, featuring a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Residential amenities will be provided to ensure a modern and dynamic living environment.

Drawing inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage, the design proposed by AHR, a Manchester-based architectural practice, uses red brick as the primary material for both buildings. This approach ensures the preservation of the area’s distinct character.

The proposal also aligns with the Crescent Development Framework’s objective to create a publicly accessible linear park along the line of the former Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal. An effort is underway to open up and restore the historic canal once sufficient funding becomes available.

The design firm Planit-IE is set to create a section of the linear park as part of the development. The park will feature gardens, tree-lined pathways, new shrub and wildflower plantings. Additionally, communal spaces and amenities such as seating areas, recreational facilities, and natural play elements for children will be included to foster a sense of community and encourage social interaction amongst residents.

Commenting on the proposal, Nick Legget, representative of H20 Urban, said, “We’re excited to unveil our proposals for a high-quality residential development which will make a significant contribution to the delivery of new homes in a highly sustainable location. Salford is a destination going from strength to strength, and we are delighted to be playing a role in the Crescent area’s continuing regeneration journey.”

Detailed information on the Upper Wharf Street proposals can be found on a dedicated consultation website www.upperwharfstreet.co.uk, where feedback on the plans can be submitted until 16 August 2023. The professional team working on the project includes AHR, Planit-IE, CBRE (Planning), and Chroma Consulting (Project Management).