The construction of Salford Rise, part of the £2.5bn Crescent Salford masterplan, has begun. This project, led by ECF in partnership with Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse, aims to improve connectivity and accessibility in the area.
Key features include:
- Walking and cycling routes to replace physical barriers.
- High-quality green spaces and public squares for events.
- A five-acre elevated walkway to enhance connectivity between the University of Salford and the Crescent innovation zone.
Eric Wright Civil Engineering is the main contractor, and the project is partially funded by £13.17m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The walkway is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
Salford Rise is part of a broader plan to deliver over 3,000 homes, 1m sq ft of offices, retail, leisure spaces, and a multi-modal transport hub. It aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry, driving economic growth and innovation in Salford.
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, and University of Salford Vice-Chancellor Professor, Nic Beech, have both expressed their excitement about the project’s potential to transform the area and benefit the community.
Mr Dennett, said: “I am delighted that this important project is now moving into the delivery phase. Salford Rise will better connect our communities to the Crescent and University campus and provide transformational change across Crescent Innovation, helping to unlock world-class innovation-led research and development opportunities that Salford residents and businesses can benefit from.”
Professor Beech commented: “Salford Rise is a great example of innovative regeneration work as part of the wider Crescent masterplan to benefit our Salford community, connecting people and fostering collaboration between businesses. This work will develop and enhance our local environment and provide vital sustainable travel options for students, colleagues, and visitors accessing our University campus and the surrounding areas.”
Max King, Project Director (North West) at ECF, said: “Starting on site at Salford Rise and seeing the first spade in the ground marks a landmark staging post as we begin to bring the vision for Crescent Salford to life. This project is a pivotal part of the wider masterplan, and particularly the innovation zone, unlocking opportunities and fostering collaboration to enable the people that live, work and study in Salford to thrive.”