Salford City Council has today approved plans for the next significant phase of development at the award-winning, 25-acre mixed-use development Middlewood Locks.
Leading regeneration experts Scarborough Group International (SGI) submitted proposals last July for the next phases at the £1billion development that is already emerging as a popular new neighbourhood with over 1,200 residents in occupation which is growing by the day.
The plans include major residential and commercial development including large areas of public realm for the remaining 10-acre plot of land that connects the existing community at Middlewood Locks and Salford through the Ordsall Chord railway arches to Manchester city centre.
The first reserved matters consent includes 659 residential apartments within two blocks, one to be part 28-storeys and part 10-storeys linked by a podium garden and the other part 32-storeys and part 11-storeys, alongside ground and first floor commercial space of circa 18,000 sq ft.
The second reserved matters consent is for 250 residential apartments within an L shaped building that steps down from 15 storeys to 11 storeys. There will be a 4,500 sq ft commercial space provision with extensive canalside public realm for residents and visitors. Both plots will have dedicated under-croft parking, electric charging points and bicycle storage.
A new landscaped public square with event space linking the two plots is also included in the plans.
The news follows completion of both phases one and two, comprising 1,117 apartments and supporting amenity with the next phase of homes, The Railings. comprising a further 189 apartments and townhouses starting on site next month.
Paul Kelly, Development Director at SGI, said:
“This is fantastic news for us and our joint venture partners as we commit to complete our 13-year commitment to curate one of the largest new urban communities in Greater Manchester.
“The journey over the last six years has not only created a thriving new neighbourhood with over 1200 residents in occupation but also delivered considerable economic returns to the region.
“These next phases will complete the missing link, connecting Middlewood Locks with a seamless transition to the bustle of Manchester city centre, offering a tranquil new place to live and work that is both sustainable and convenient.”
Nicola Wallis, Sales & Marketing Director at SGI said:
“We are absolutely delighted that planning has been approved for a further 909 much needed new homes at Middlewood Locks. We have a strong and vibrant community, and we are already seeing great demand from our existing residents for the homes in the Railings as they look to take the next step in their home buying journey. Residents are very settled in our neighbourhood and it’s wonderful to see more families enjoying living in our community.
“Middlewood Locks is a walkable neighbourhood, which is close to the city centre, has beautiful public realm, canalside walks and great amenities which makes this a very desirable place for our customers to make their home. A place to plan for the future and enjoy the present,”
Middlewood Locks resident James Hope said:
“My time at Middlewood Locks has been incredible. It started with the extremely friendly and helpful sales team. They made everything easy and enjoyable. I couldn’t be happier with the area. It is close to the city centre, transport links and places to socialise. With the future of Middlewood Locks only set to expand and become better, I am excited to see what is to come.”
Middlewood Locks is a joint venture between Scarborough Group International, Metro Holdings Limited, a Singapore-listed property development and investment group, and Hualing Group, based in Urumqui, Xinjiang, in China.
When completed, it will be a new vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood with homes and commercial space, including offices, hotel, shops, restaurants, MSCP and gym. With landscaped areas of green public space, the scheme is being developed around three large basins of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal which connect to the River Irwell and is a short walk from the central business district and retail amenities of Manchester city centre.
SGI has also submitted an updated outline application for the remaining neighbourhood. This includes the potential to deliver a combination of significant Grade A workspace and more contemporary new homes. A hotel and multi-storey car park form a part of the masterplan alongside further public realm around the canal basins.
Overall, the site has a gross development value of more than £1 billion and is expected to create more than 7,000 jobs for the area. Five years under development Middlewood Locks has already made a considerable economic impact, supporting 5,555 jobs. The total local economic benefit to the Greater Manchester sub-region for phase one at Middlewood Locks is £131.5 million, representing an LM3 Ratio of £1.54 for every £1 investment. Approximately 37% of the total project turnover was spent with suppliers from the sub region, generating an additional £46.5m in the Greater Manchester economy.
Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI) is the construction partner whilst Whittam Cox Architects is design partner and Zerum is the scheme’s planning advisor.
