The University of Salford and Salford City Council have appointed masterplanners to create a development framework for the University’s estate and a future vision for the wider area.

5plus Architects were selected following a competition that saw bids from 17 national and international practices.

The ambitious brief is to review the University’s entire estate at Peel Park, and the adjacent city area, to create one city district covering 99ha (244 acres) that enhances and connects with surrounding neighbourhoods and communities and helps drive the local economy.

It will take advantage of the positive momentum of change already being seen around the Chapel Street area to improve the quality of life for all who live, study, work and play in Salford.

The University estate extends north and south of The Crescent, taking in the listed elements of the Museum and Art Gallery to Salford Crescent Station and includes vast green spaces at the Meadows, Peel Park and the David Lewis Sports Ground.

5plus director Tony Skipper said: “The joint leadership approach from the University and the City demonstrates a shared ambition around local innovation, good design and place making for this hugely significant part of Salford.

“The opportunities presented by the masterplan are vast. It will be about more than just creating a new signature for the University. It will be about understanding how local people, culture, heritage, industry, sport and leisure contribute to place and how the framework will allow Salford to look forward with absolute confidence.”

The University’s seven schools are served by 2,500 staff and attract more than 20,000 national and international students.

Jason Challender, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of Salford, said: “It is great news for the University and the city as a whole that we have signed this deal. The plan is ambitious and will transform both the campus and the surrounding area. We look forward to working with 5plus and seeing our vision come to life.”

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I am delighted that this important commission is about to get underway. As the City’s economic base has been transformed and it is a great opportunity to connect people to talent and talent to jobs.

“Development and investment is set to continue at a pace. This historic part of Salford with Peel Park, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Islington Mill and the Crescent also represents a dynamic, young and creative part of the City which we want to nurture and see evolve further as part of Salford’s great cultural identity.”

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