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Urban regeneration magazine regeneration Urban 23

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new on the scene Movers and shakers Movers and shakers

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BOLTON WARRINGTON SALFORD WE’RE THERE LIVERPOOL PRESTON ASHTON

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www.cushmanwakefield.com Central Salford issue#03 2009 Contents

41

23 06

Executive editor: Kirsty MacAulay [email protected]

Features editor: Alex Aspinall [email protected]

Art director: Terry Hawes [email protected]

Designer: Daniel Bailey

Advertisement sales: Lee Harrison [email protected]

Production: Rachael Schofield [email protected]

Office manager: Sue Mapara [email protected]

Managing director: Toby Fox [email protected]

Printed by: Manson

Images: Central Salford URC, Stephen Wright, Chris Gleave, Nick Harrison, , Fat Northerner, Peel Media, ECF Published by: 47 189 Lavender Hill London SW11 5TB T: 020 7978 6840 06 News 35 Greengate F: 020 7978 6837 The latest happenings in Salford’s A spotlight on the approved public For Central Salford URC continued regeneration realm plans Digital World Centre No.1 Lowry Plaza Pier 8 12 Quality of life 36 MediaCityUK Salford Quays M50 3UB Salford has come a long way in a short Things are really taking shape down at Chief executive space of time, and the best is yet to Salford Quays Chris Farrow 0161 601 7738 come Development director Karen Hirst 0161 601 7736 38 Irwell City Park Company secretary 18 New faces Chris Hulme 0161 601 7735 The regeneration of Salford is A major project connecting £3 billion Community regeneration director progressing apace. We meet some of of economic investment along an 8km Chris Marsh 0161 793 2692 stretch of the River Irwell Head of programme the new faces making a difference management Jim Wensley 0161 601 7729 23 Community 42 Infrastructure Subscriptions and feedback: Sometimes it’s the little things that make Remodelling a city isn’t just about www.centralsalfordmagazine.com the big differences erecting shiny new buildings

© 3Fox International Limited 2009. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction Projects: 47 University in whole or in part without the written ­permission of 3Fox International Limited Universities are playing a greater role is strictly forbidden. The greatest care 30 Chapel Street in urban regeneration, and Salford’s has been taken to ensure the accuracy Restored historic buildings and a of information in this magazine at time proves to be no exception of going to press, but we accept no series of new developments are set to ­responsibility for omissions or errors. The views expressed in this magazine are not breathe life into the heart of the city ­necessarily those of 3Fox International Limited or Central Salford URC. 03 A LANDMARK BUSINESS DESTINATION

The Embankment’s 345,000 ft² of prime office space is divided between two highly sustainable landmark buildings.

100 Embankment has 244,000 ft² net across 10 floors and 101 Embankment provides 102,000 ft² net over 8 floors. Both buildings feature generous and impressive ground floor entrance areas and share a 375-space underground car park.

The ground floors also offer an additional 24,000 ft² of food and beverage opportunities.

PICCADILLY STATION WELL-CONNECTED

The Embankment is extremely well-connected,

CROSS STREET situated within easy reach of a wide range of public CROSS STREET SHUDEHILL transport options.

BRIDGE STREET CORPORATION STREET Within a few minutes walk are Victoria Station offering DEANSGATE national rail and Metrolink connections and Shudehill transport interchange offering both Metrolink and bus connectivity. The Embankment also offers the best RIVER IRWELL VICTORIA STREET amenities of a vibrant city centre, with an impressive BLACKFRIAR array of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés nearby to

CHAPEL STREET S cater for all tastes and pockets.

NEW PUBLIC SPACES

At The Embankment, the banks of the River Irwell will INTRODUCING THE EMBANKMENT be opened up to create vibrant new public spaces, featuring a riverside walkway, water features, a new This major new development is set to breathe new public square and a new foot bridge across the river.

To complement this, the listed archways of life into the historic boundary between Salford Manchester’s old Exchange Station will be transformed into an exciting new retail and leisure and Manchester. destination, with outdoor café’s and seating areas with wonderful views across the river to Manchester Cathedral and Exchange Square. The Embankment is a new 21st century business The Embankment is being turned into reality by Ask destination set on the banks of the River Irwell where Developments, a company with an extensive track the two cities meet. record in delivering major regeneration schemes such Call 0844 800 3335 for a scheme brochure or to find out more visitwww.greengateembankment.com as Central Park and First Street, working in a joint Once the medieval crossing place between the venture with Network Rail, in conjunction with Central where you can view exciting film footage of the proposed new development. cities, The Embankment’s unrivalled location is Salford, UCR, Salford City Council and the Homes and literally a stone’s throw away from the retail heart Communities Agency. of Manchester city centre, with Harvey Nichols, In partnership with Selfridges and a host of major attractions right on the With its superb transport connections and range of doorstep. Regenerating this key development site amenities in the immediate vicinity, The Embankment will create two new landmark office buildings offering is destined to become one of the city region’s most 345,000 sq ft of prime quality office space, built to desirable and sought-after business addresses. excellent standards of sustainability. A LANDMARK BUSINESS DESTINATION

The Embankment’s 345,000 ft² of prime office space is divided between two highly sustainable landmark buildings.

100 Embankment has 244,000 ft² net across 10 floors and 101 Embankment provides 102,000 ft² net over 8 floors. Both buildings feature generous and impressive ground floor entrance areas and share a 375-space underground car park.

The ground floors also offer an additional 24,000 ft² of food and beverage opportunities.

PICCADILLY STATION WELL-CONNECTED

The Embankment is extremely well-connected,

CROSS STREET situated within easy reach of a wide range of public CROSS STREET SHUDEHILL transport options.

BRIDGE STREET CORPORATION STREET Within a few minutes walk are Victoria Station offering DEANSGATE national rail and Metrolink connections and Shudehill transport interchange offering both Metrolink and bus connectivity. The Embankment also offers the best RIVER IRWELL VICTORIA STREET amenities of a vibrant city centre, with an impressive BLACKFRIAR array of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés nearby to

CHAPEL STREET S cater for all tastes and pockets.

NEW PUBLIC SPACES

At The Embankment, the banks of the River Irwell will INTRODUCING THE EMBANKMENT be opened up to create vibrant new public spaces, featuring a riverside walkway, water features, a new This major new development is set to breathe new public square and a new foot bridge across the river.

To complement this, the listed archways of life into the historic boundary between Salford Manchester’s old Exchange Station will be transformed into an exciting new retail and leisure and Manchester. destination, with outdoor café’s and seating areas with wonderful views across the river to Manchester Cathedral and Exchange Square. The Embankment is a new 21st century business The Embankment is being turned into reality by Ask destination set on the banks of the River Irwell where Developments, a company with an extensive track the two cities meet. record in delivering major regeneration schemes such Call 0844 800 3335 for a scheme brochure or to find out more visitwww.greengateembankment.com as Central Park and First Street, working in a joint Once the medieval crossing place between the venture with Network Rail, in conjunction with Central where you can view exciting film footage of the proposed new development. cities, The Embankment’s unrivalled location is Salford, UCR, Salford City Council and the Homes and literally a stone’s throw away from the retail heart Communities Agency. of Manchester city centre, with Harvey Nichols, In partnership with Selfridges and a host of major attractions right on the With its superb transport connections and range of doorstep. Regenerating this key development site amenities in the immediate vicinity, The Embankment will create two new landmark office buildings offering is destined to become one of the city region’s most 345,000 sq ft of prime quality office space, built to desirable and sought-after business addresses. excellent standards of sustainability. Central Salford News News All the latest news and information on what is happening on the ground in Central Salford. From awards and events to planning and development news

Funding news

As construction progresses at an impressive rate at the MediaCItyUK site the behind the scenes work on funding for projects has been hugely successful. The partnership Framework for Research and Innovation in MediaCityUK (FIRM) has secured funding of £2.72 million as the first step in its £40 million programme to complement the physical development with an intellectual infrastructure. The University of Salford has won a funding bid of £8 million from the Higher Education Funding Council for England for its four-storey MediaCityUK based facility, which is set to open in September 2011.

Greengate gets green light Green and walkable streets Plans to develop the 13-hectare Central Salford is rolling out its vision Greengate area, which is currently to re-connect communities through vacant and derelict, have taken a its ‘green and walkable streets’ major step forward. programme. Ensuring high quality The planning application for the public public realm in local areas to support realm element of the project, to create sustainable regeneration and link major a pedestrian link between Manchester boulevarding and public realm projects and Salford city centres, has been into adjacent neighbourhoods. Area- approved. The £8.5 million public realm based initiatives are already planned for project is central to the development of Ordsall and Chapel Street. the area making it a place people will want to visit and spend time in. Salford City Council and Ask Developments signed a collaboration Big change agreement in May 2009 which ties English Cities Fund submitted the together the funding agreement largest-ever planning application to reached between the Homes and Salford City Council in July 2009. The Communities Agency and Salford 17.7-hectare scheme to transform the City Council with the Development city’s historic Chapel Street area with Agreement between Network Rail and a mixed-use development creating Ask Developments. new homes and commercial space will reinstate Chapel Street as a busy gateway to the city centre. 0 Central Salford issue#03 2009

St Philip’s Church (left) has been listed as one of the most beautiful in the North West.

In brief

On the move Central Salford’s Integrated Local beauty Transport Strategy was adopted in July. Implementation of the St Philip’s church, just off Chapel Street, strategy marks an important has been listed as one of the most step forward in being able to beautiful churches in the north west by amend and upgrade the city’s Matthew Byrne who toured the region transportation network in a bid to for his book Great Churches of the North encourage local people to use West. more sustainable modes of travel The church, built in 1825, is described by walking, cycling and using as one of the city’s most iconic public transport. buildings by Reverend Andy Salmon. It is among just 26 others chosen by Team work author Byrne who pinpointed it as The full project team working on one of the most beautiful due to its the creation of Irwell City Park has architectural distinction, beauty, quality now been announced. of sculpture, carving and stained glass Davis Langdon has been plus historic interest. The church plays an Observer’s Secret Britain guide in April. appointed project manager on important role in the local community Other notable Chapel Street mentions the multi-million pound scheme and has also served as a music venue included Islington Mill and the important alongside architects Broadway with Sugababes and, more recently, role it has played in the area’s cultural Malyan with Form Associates (a Florence and the Machine playing regeneration, plus the new Corridor Bar design practice) engineering concerts here. which finds itself in good company with specialists Gifford and Ekosgen. Adjacent to St Philip’s church, Andrew the already popular Kings Arms, New The scheme, which received McKeown’s sculpture of a sycamore Oxford and eagerly awaited re-opening £1.1 million funding from the seed – a symbol of Salford’s potential of The Black Lion and its new music NWDA and three partner local to grow and prosper – featured in The venue space. authorities Salford, Manchester and Trafford in December, will revitalise the River Irwell and create a new urban park along an Street music 8km stretch of the river. Chapel Street hosted two music events this summer. Sounds from Salford Business Awards the Other City, in its fifth year, In April local businesses in Salford attracted over 1,500 music lovers once again gathered together in May when small concerts were to support the Salford Business played at some unlikely venues Awards 2009. including two churches, Salford The ceremony, held at the Restoration Office and several prestigious , saw local pubs. About 60 bands over two hundred guests, some played during the day, organised of whom were entrants and by Mark Carlin of Islington Mill Arts finalists, celebrate each other’s Club and supported by Central professional achievements. Salford Urban Regeneration Sustainable energy company Company, manchestermusic. ENER-G won the prestigious co.uk and Salford Music Map. Business of the Year award. Un-Convention was held in The Salford Business Awards is June at Sacred Trinity Church the showcase event of Salford and Blueprint Studios in Chapel Business Week, a series of Street. The music conference for business-related events hosted grassroots, DIY and independent by the University of Salford, The music makers and lovers was Chapel Street Business Group and supported by Central Salford and Salford City Council. deemed a great success. 0 Central Salford News

The restoration of Salford’s much- loved will breathe new life into the 660- year old building. Work is under way and a grand reopening is planned for June 2011.

Power to the people

Central Salford URC achieved Investor in People (IiP) status earlier this year, the only urban regeneration company in the country to have gained the prestigious title. The certificate was awarded to the team by local MP, and former secretary of state for communities and local government, Hazel Blears (pictured right). Blears said “Regeneration is only effectively delivered by teams who work together well and work with the people and partners just as well. These are the values you need to deliver projects like MediaCityUK.” Chris Farrow, the URC’s chief executive called it “an outstanding team achievement”.

Pendleton proposals The first round of community consultation on the future of Pendleton took place in early July 2009. The £121 million regeneration project for the residential area, funded through a Private Finance Initiative, will see the refurbishment and remodelling of 1,800 of the neighbourhood’s existing homes plus the redevelopment of several areas to create 1,500 new homes for sale and for rent. The creation of CONCERT HALL launch a new Pendleton will also include the In May 2009, Salford Lads and Girls development of a number of social Club unveiled its newly renovated and community facilities plus extensive Edwardian concert hall at an event environmental improvements to the celebrating Morrissey’s 50th birthday. district. Soapworks The club, featured on the Smiths’ Residents will be able to view the The former Colgate Palmolive famed The Queen is Dead album, design proposals and give feedback factory, acquired by The Carlyle hosted an exhibition of the work of the on the plans from the three consortia Group and partners Nikal Limited photographer, Stephen Wright, who short-listed for the project; Solutions 4 and Abstract Securities, will be took the iconic shot. The concert hall’s Salford, SP+ and Inspiral Pendleton. turned into 46,450sq m of high restoration, supported by Central Salford All feedback will be taken into quality office space. An outline URC, has brought the space back consideration before a further round of application is being worked into active use enabling increased consultation in November. The preferred up for the remainder of the site participation in a range of sports and consortium will be announced in including a hotel, further office music activities for local residents and September 2010 and work is expected space, restaurants, bars and young people. The first concert took to start on site in 2011. The Pendleton cafes. If planning is secured, the place in the hall in September with community is at the heart of the first phase is likely to start on site a special performance by the BBC selection of a development partner. in early 2011. Philharmonic’s Marchini Quartet.

0

4878;1 Ekosgen DPS Ad:Layout 1 4/9/09 15:48 Page 1

The regeneration of Salford is continuing to make remarkable progress in the face of the ongoing global recession. Helping to create

a brighter, better The Atlantic Gateway area is of massive importance to the Our Index of Economic Resilience highlighted real UK economy, with Salford serving as one of its main urban improvements made in the skills base of Salford’s workforce cores. Research has found that the area generates more than over the last 10 years. The levels of inward investment over £50 billion a year, with 75,000 businesses and a workforce the years and changes to the area have seen Salford named of around 1.4 million. as one of the top five most improved local economies when we looked at the skills levels of its local workforce. Our work, delivered in partnership with the NWDA, is helping future for Salford to identify investment priorities which will help to kick start a With large and high profile employers such as the BBC set new period of sustained growth, and narrow the north-south to move to Salford soon, this encouraging trend is only set ekosgen are currently working on some exciting, high profile Another key project which is continuing apace is the divide. We are looking at economic and spatial issues, which to increase. projects which are set to further raise the profile of Central development of an economic masterplan for the Atlantic include potential business clusters, transport networks, Salford and enhance the regeneration of the area. Gateway, an area which spans from Greater Manchester to We are in the process of sharing the findings of this research housing and development. Merseyside, taking in Warrington and parts of Cheshire. with local authority partners in the North West, and beyond. These projects have been backed by a wide range of partners The potential benefits are as exciting as they are huge: to We believe that understanding what makes a resilient and are ongoing, despite the continuing recessionary pressures. meet the economic objectives set out in various areas, this economy holds the key to being able to address the pressures One of our current projects sees us working with Central area will accommodate 250,000 additional jobs and host of a recession and recover from it more quickly. Salford Urban Regeneration Company and local authority more than 400,000 new homes by 2030. It is clear from our work in Salford that city and regional partners to help steer the delivery of Irwell City Park. This This level of growth will make the Atlantic Gateway the most partners are pulling together to deliver a robust response to scheme aims to open up the River Irwell corridor and put it important investment and employment location outside the the recession. back at the heart of the city region. South East and present exceptional investment opportunities The results of some of the work we are currently involved in The Irwell City Park project includes the development of an across a broad range of sectors. could see residents with better jobs, improved local internationally-recognised waterfront destination for Greater Our plan, once developed, will support partners’ efforts to environments and stronger communities for many years Manchester along an 8km stretch of the River Irwell. This will ensure these bold ambitions for the area are realised, even to come. see the creation of premier urban realm spaces and linkages in the current climate. that will enable the region to compete with other major We are proud to be involved in such an effort. waterfront destinations. Elsewhere, our research has indicated that Salford is improving. For more information contact: Steve Potter, Director We have recently undertaken detailed research into the We have been asked to look at how investment should be economic resilience of local authority areas across the North spent over the next five years, assessing the economic benefits West, which looked at performance in a number of key areas. of key projects and developing a funding plan that attracts public and private sector support. Put simply, a resilient economy is one that has a diverse business base, skilled workforce, higher numbers of business Chris Farrow, chief executive of Central Salford URC, said: start-ups, growth, and lower levels of unemployment and “This is a critical time for the consultancy to come on board worklessness. now detailed design work is being progressed along the stretch of riverside between MediaCityUK and Manchester city In seeking to identify such areas, we looked at economic Lawrence Buildings, 2 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5WQ. centre, which will provide the potential setting for £3bn private data over a 10 year period, covering the key domains Tel: 0845 644 3023 Fax: 0845 644 3024 sector investment.” identified above. www.ekosgen.co.uk 4878;1 Ekosgen DPS Ad:Layout 1 4/9/09 15:48 Page 1

The regeneration of Salford is continuing to make remarkable progress in the face of the ongoing global recession. Helping to create

a brighter, better The Atlantic Gateway area is of massive importance to the Our Index of Economic Resilience highlighted real UK economy, with Salford serving as one of its main urban improvements made in the skills base of Salford’s workforce cores. Research has found that the area generates more than over the last 10 years. The levels of inward investment over £50 billion a year, with 75,000 businesses and a workforce the years and changes to the area have seen Salford named of around 1.4 million. as one of the top five most improved local economies when we looked at the skills levels of its local workforce. Our work, delivered in partnership with the NWDA, is helping future for Salford to identify investment priorities which will help to kick start a With large and high profile employers such as the BBC set new period of sustained growth, and narrow the north-south to move to Salford soon, this encouraging trend is only set ekosgen are currently working on some exciting, high profile Another key project which is continuing apace is the divide. We are looking at economic and spatial issues, which to increase. projects which are set to further raise the profile of Central development of an economic masterplan for the Atlantic include potential business clusters, transport networks, Salford and enhance the regeneration of the area. Gateway, an area which spans from Greater Manchester to We are in the process of sharing the findings of this research housing and development. Merseyside, taking in Warrington and parts of Cheshire. with local authority partners in the North West, and beyond. These projects have been backed by a wide range of partners The potential benefits are as exciting as they are huge: to We believe that understanding what makes a resilient and are ongoing, despite the continuing recessionary pressures. meet the economic objectives set out in various areas, this economy holds the key to being able to address the pressures One of our current projects sees us working with Central area will accommodate 250,000 additional jobs and host of a recession and recover from it more quickly. Salford Urban Regeneration Company and local authority more than 400,000 new homes by 2030. It is clear from our work in Salford that city and regional partners to help steer the delivery of Irwell City Park. This This level of growth will make the Atlantic Gateway the most partners are pulling together to deliver a robust response to scheme aims to open up the River Irwell corridor and put it important investment and employment location outside the the recession. back at the heart of the city region. South East and present exceptional investment opportunities The results of some of the work we are currently involved in The Irwell City Park project includes the development of an across a broad range of sectors. could see residents with better jobs, improved local internationally-recognised waterfront destination for Greater Our plan, once developed, will support partners’ efforts to environments and stronger communities for many years Manchester along an 8km stretch of the River Irwell. This will ensure these bold ambitions for the area are realised, even to come. see the creation of premier urban realm spaces and linkages in the current climate. that will enable the region to compete with other major We are proud to be involved in such an effort. waterfront destinations. Elsewhere, our research has indicated that Salford is improving. For more information contact: Steve Potter, Director We have recently undertaken detailed research into the We have been asked to look at how investment should be economic resilience of local authority areas across the North spent over the next five years, assessing the economic benefits West, which looked at performance in a number of key areas. of key projects and developing a funding plan that attracts public and private sector support. Put simply, a resilient economy is one that has a diverse business base, skilled workforce, higher numbers of business Chris Farrow, chief executive of Central Salford URC, said: start-ups, growth, and lower levels of unemployment and “This is a critical time for the consultancy to come on board worklessness. now detailed design work is being progressed along the stretch of riverside between MediaCityUK and Manchester city In seeking to identify such areas, we looked at economic Lawrence Buildings, 2 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5WQ. centre, which will provide the potential setting for £3bn private data over a 10 year period, covering the key domains Tel: 0845 644 3023 Fax: 0845 644 3024 sector investment.” identified above. www.ekosgen.co.uk Central Salford Quality of life

The good life While Salford is a very different place to the struggling city it was a decade ago, Charlotte Goodworth finds out what it is like to live there now and what can be expected in the future

12 Central Salford issue#03 2009

Salford’s regeneration is already well under way. The transformation at Salford Quays is close to completion.

egenerating Salford is certainly no walk in the park but it is precisely the abundance R of green, open spaces (accounting for 60% of the city) that are providing a solid foundation on which an already improving quality of life is being built. Its proximity to Manchester, the north’s international gateway, and all that it has to offer residents and businesses alike, is complemented by Salford’s own unique character: historic buildings, beautiful parks and gardens, revived waterways, a thriving university and newer assets such as and MediaCityUK that are turning this once deprived area into a popular hub for the digital and creative industries. Life in Salford is already brighter than just a decade ago. The abandoned rows of boarded up terraces are being replaced with affordable and sustainable new communities that residents can be proud of. Thousands of new jobs and enterprise opportunities are being created in the city, largely through the MediaCityUK project at Salford Quays, the soon-to-be new home for five departments of the BBC. Vast sums of money are being poured into the health and education services and the city’s natural assets are being given a new lease of life. While there is still some way to go this former industrial jewel in the nation’s crown is well on its way to fulfilling its ambition to become a beautiful, vibrant and prosperous city. Salford has a dynamic business base with over 7,500 businesses and was ranked the fourth most improved city for business competitiveness in 2008 (UK’s Competitive Index). It is a major centre for financial and professional services, accounting for 22% of businesses and the largest employment sector. Salford has a large labour market at the heart of the urban core with ➔ 13 Central Salford Quality of life

high levels of both inward and outward Salford Business commuting and a large and growing working age population. A good Chris Lethbridge, creative tram and bus network connecting Life in Salford is industries consultant and visual key residential neighbourhoods with “ artist, based in Chapel Street’s commercial districts such as Salford already brighter Islington Mill Quays and Manchester city centre exists. However, the Central Salford than just a Integrated Transport Strategy proposes “Islington Mill is an extraordinary much better connectivity from Salford decade ago hub for creative businesses quite to Manchester and its airport and within unlike anywhere else I know. I Salford itself. „ rent a workspace at the Mill and In order to create cohesion between the other businesses based here the two city centres, a smart new consist of an amazingly rich mosaic gateway into Salford from Manchester is bed house in Langworthy about a year encompassing bands, theatre, being created within the Chapel Street ago now and love it. I’m a five-minute film and video companies, web scheme, which will also become the drive from Manchester city centre, a designers and artists. The diversity city’s new corporate centre. Currently five-minute walk to the tram stop and leads to a creative ambience that under-utilised areas will be turned into right next to the motorway, so its position stimulates one’s own creativity. new public spaces to complement is really handy for me. historic landmarks such as St Philip’s “There’s a real community feel and “In addition to this you have the church and Ye Olde Nelson, and everything in the area is brand new; Mill’s public facing side, which 197,010sq m of proposed office space doctors and dentists have moved in, includes exhibitions, events, gigs plus over 800 new homes will attract and there’s even a new park that has and opportunities for networking. businesses and investment into this been built around the corner, which The Mill ethos allows occupants important artery into the city, building a is fantastic. It’s really clean and is well to try out ideas, which may thriving new community. looked after. I haven’t been into any involve people and spaces Neighbourhoods are being of the schools yet, but I’ve heard a lot within the building and beyond. reinvigorated throughout the city, of money has been invested and a Consequently, Islington Mill has offering new accommodation and lot of improvements made, which is an impressive track record in facilities for locals and newcomers, reassuring.” generating activities that spill out of and breathing life back into the once- Education is one of Salford’s greatest the Mill and in to the wider district. stricken housing market. The first phase challenges, with only a quarter of of the award-winning Chimney Pot Park the city’s working age population “There is an infrastructure of in Langworthy sold out within two-and-a- qualified to degree level or above. provision in Salford for the creative half hours, with a proportion reserved for However, there is plenty being done to sector focusing on the university first-time buyers, proving its affordability improve these figures. Salford is at the (in terms of its academic life and and practicality. Salford and East forefront of the Greater Manchester enterprise development activity) Manchester have been awarded Challenge, a £50 million programme and through the council and around £360 million of assistance from to improve standards in schools. In allied regeneration initiatives the government’s housing market addition, Salford’s involvement with the which are building Salford as a renewal programme since 2003 and government’s Building Schools for the key destination for anyone working new residential projects across the city Future programme means more than in the field of culture or creativity. are creating safe, well-connected, £150 million is available for investment While MediaCityUK is obviously well-serviced, quality neighbourhoods into secondary schools. Progress has and understandably the focus attracting families and young already been made with Salford’s of this, the Chapel Street district professionals. Residents are already primary schools, recognised as the provides an important ‘alternative’ pleased with the creation of new leisure most improved in the UK, while Salford’s counterbalance that will give and community facilities and the secondary schools have exceeded the Salford the depth and texture it noticeably lower crime levels, in part national average for students gaining needs to become a truly successful due to the dedicated neighbourhood five good GCSEs. In 2009 76% of centre for the creative economy.” policing teams. pupils gained at least five A*-C grades. As Langworthy resident Stephanie The arrival of the BBC at MediaCityUK Brookes explains: “I moved into a two- will also provide useful links for the 14 Central Salford issue#03 2009

Housing developments such as Urban Splash’s Chimney Pot Park (right) and green spaces are at the heart of Salford’s regeneration.

University of Salford within the digital and creative industries, while unique media this hub as it transforms into a world- apprentice schemes will help the Salford Business class business district. region’s young people gain experience and access to the many industry jobs Chris Brassington, a Salford “As a growing company we need moving north. businessman and MD of 2ergo somewhere to serve our needs Improving public realm is a key but grow with us. We have forged element in the regeneration plans links with the University of Salford to for Salford and will play a vital role in “We are based in the fast-growing attract bright, young talent in to the improving quality of life. Under-utilised arena of mobile technology and business. Our client base includes areas of the city are being revived. wanted our headquarters to be media companies, so moving The Irwell City Park project will transform somewhere that reflected that to a site that will soon be a focal an 8km stretch of the river, providing spirit. Salford Quays was a natural point for high-profile UK media a sustainable and enjoyable transport choice. Out of one window in our organisations seemed perfect. route around the city and creating a boardroom we look out on to the waterfront destination to rival other great Lowry and from the other we can “This area has captured people’s European riverside cities. see the BBC’s new headquarters imaginations and so the ease of Greengate, a new mixed use in the north being built. It is attracting skilled staff was another development re-connecting the cities tremendously exciting to be part of reason behind our choice.” of Manchester and Salford also has ➔ 15 Central Salford Quality of life

Quality of life in Salford is on the rise with more jobs and new housing developments, such as LPC Living’s Hulton Square.

Facts and Salford resident figures n Fiona Guy, Ordsall resident 30,000 jobs are due to be created “I moved here about a year and n £4 billion worth a half ago with my fiancé Neil. We of investment is had been living in an apartment targeted in the Northern Quarter, but we wanted somewhere bigger. n 16,000 new dwellings to “I couldn’t believe the amount be completed of house you got for the price in n Ordsall and knew the new houses More than half of households are were going to be popular, so we owner- reserved our three-storey house with occupied three bedrooms, a garden and a parking space off-plan. n Named 5th in the RBS “It’s been a complete lifestyle Affordable change for us. It’s lovely to have Affluence Index so much space and a garden to 2007 spend time in. Neil is a big fan of the outdoors and having a house n Fourth highest instead of an apartment has meant employment we have been able to get a dog rate in Greater and we spend most of our free time Manchester out with her – there are some lovely at 73.6% parks in Salford and Salford Quays is only five minutes away.

“We’re right by the tram stop into Manchester city centre and we’ve also got two supermarkets within stunning public realm improvements at the Imperial War Museum North across walking distance. its heart. the river in Trafford, attracts more than With £8.5 million worth of funding four million visitors a year. “A lot of people who have moved coming from the Homes and Local residents are being consulted here are young professionals like Communities Agency to help unlock an every step of the way about their me looking to get on the property area of wasted potential, it will become city’s regeneration and the Spotlight ladder, which I think shows the a gateway to Salford characterised by programme is just one way of giving regeneration is working. The money attractive waterways, pedestrian-friendly residents a voice. The initiative enables that MediaCityUK promises to bring walkways, a new bridge across the River service providers to better understand to the area is really appealing to Irwell, public art and iconic architecture. the issues in a particular area of the city people looking to buy and the While this area is generally quiet in and collate ideas from the locals as to general feeling is that Salford is a the evenings, the plans will provide how best to deal with them. good long-term investment. new leisure and lifestyle opportunities, Already, Salford is becoming well creating a bustling new quarter. known as a world-class business centre “We are getting married next year Salford has always benefited from and an attractive and sustainable and will think about starting a family Manchester’s broad selection of leisure place to live. Within the next two in our new home, something we facilities, from the Trafford Centre to decades however, Salford’s offer is set wouldn’t be able to do if we’d its 100 golf courses. Within its own to swell even further. n moved to a more expensive area.” boundaries, however, Salford also boasts the Lowry, which together with 16 Zoom in to The challenges the public sector now face involve extracting even more our public + value from commercial partners and delivering new solutions that fit with sector service shifting public and political offering expectations and demands for change. We offer you a legal partner that is ready for new challenges and opportunities - a team with energy and belief that the public sector has a pivotal role to play in regeneration, and building and shaping our futures.

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Central Salford New faces

In with the new The regeneration of Salford is progressing apace. With the transformation of the MediaCityUK site, major housing schemes and some dramatic public realm set to change the face of Central Salford we meet some of the new arrivals making it happen. By Julie Mackintosh

18

Central Salford issue#03 2009

Cranes dominate the skyline on the MediaCityUK site and anticipation is growing.

Martin Hall

When asked how he’s readjusting to life attend university and he’s worried the in the UK after more than 30 years in opportunities then are not as easy to Africa, Martin Hall says: “Compared to access today. “I left Britain in 1974 in Cape Town, the weather’s wonderful.” a recession and I’ve come back to He’s joking of course but, aside from a recession. I’ve been struck by how the rain, the University of Salford’s new much more unequal the country has vice-chancellor is thoroughly positive become,” he says. “Higher education about his 6,000 mile relocation: “It’s is one of the main vehicles for been great. The north west is a friendly, overcoming blocks to social mobility exciting and welcoming place and and it’s nothing short of a national Salford has a very strong sense of tragedy that the government can’t community.” expand university places.” Although Central Salford magazine is When it comes to questions over catching up with Hall three days before Salford’s socio-economic profile, Hall he officially takes up the new role, it’s is quick to defend his new home: clear the archaeology professor is “Salford is very varied. There are affluent already more than familiar with his brief. areas, light industrial districts and yes “The university is in Salford and it’s parts suffering chronic deprivation. for Salford,” he says when asked about But we must be careful not to mistake links between the regeneration and the deprivation and poverty for a lack of institution. “The regeneration is about pride. Areas have suffered but these are adding social and economic value still proud communities.” and so are we. There’s a lot of sympathy He is full of praise for the vision of the between what we are trying to achieve, regeneration: “It’s recreating a heart for example, in job creation.” the city had lost. Our campus is in the The 56 year old’s enthusiasm for the centre of Salford close to Peel Park, the task ahead comes across in his beliefs River Irwell and Chapel Street, so we “A university should be at the heart of a also have a real physical relationship community, engaging with businesses with the regeneration,” he says. and local authorities” and “One of the Hall believes businesses and first things I insisted on when I took the people will be attracted by the city’s A university post is the vice-chancellor’s home transformation. “MediaCityUK is crucial “ should be in Salford – so it’s moving”. to this,” he says. The URC aims to create should be at the He is joining the URC’s board and looks 30,000 jobs by 2020 and many of these forward to being an active member will be at MediaCityUK. Hall defines the heart of a with “as close a relationship as possible” university’s role as “broker” between with the regeneration’s key players. graduates and job opportunities. community So what goals has the man who “Salford played an important part in spent decades challenging apartheid the last industrial revolution. I want it to engaging with set himself in Salford: “Here, as in South take on that legacy of the 1890s and businesses Africa, it’s about widening participation be at the forefront of future industrial and breaking down barriers,” he says. revolutions in public heath, renewable “I want to see more local people energy, music and performance.” „ accessing higher education. Some Two hundred local 13 year olds have might look at university and say ‘that’s been visiting the university. “It doesn’t not for me’ and I can understand that. matter whether we end up educating They might not have felt welcome in those particular kids here,” he says. “But that environment before or perhaps we want to set their aspirations higher to no-one in their family has been through open up their potential and their talent. higher education.” Without that, who’ll be there to buy and Hall, who went to Cambridge, was rent all of the homes that the URC is so the first person in his own family to lovingly building?” ➔ 19 Central Salford New faces

Deborah McLaughlin

Deborah McLaughlin might only have “HCA’s primary role is that of place joined the Homes and Communities making and we are working on a Agency (HCA) earlier this year but, number of projects with Salford City having spent more than 20 years Council and Central Salford URC where working in the north west’s housing the waterways are a key feature,” sector, she brings a host of experience says McLaughlin. “At Greengate, for to the regional director’s role. example, we are funding the creation And it’s certainly being put to of a new square next to the River good use in Salford. Reinvigorating Irwell and a new bridge crossing from the residential market is one of the Manchester.” regeneration’s key goals and – arguably And these efforts seem to be taking – one of its greatest challenges. hold. People are returning to Salford “Our long track record of working in and the URC’s own business plan Salford gives us a deep understanding has increased the level of housing of the issues facing the city and the completions by 2021 from 9,600 to confidence to continue to invest heavily 16,000 units. here,” she says. “In the past five years, nearly Confidence is, of course, a major 4,000 homes have been built in In the past five issue for the housing industry at the Central Salford alone, a further 3,000 “ moment. “The current economic refurbished, repaired or improved years nearly climate is creating barriers to and more than 11,000 homes have development nationally, not just benefited from additional management 4,000 homes in Salford. One of our roles is to repairs,” McLaughlin points out. “We’ve help overcome these barriers to just had an announcement of over have been meet housing demand, needs and £4.5 million for the Housing Market aspirations,” McLaughlin observes, Renewal Pathfinder and that will help built in Central pointing out that the HCA is working maintain the momentum of this vitally closely with Salford City council, important work.” Salford Central Salford URC and the city’s other While all of this is welcome, with regeneration partners. house prices in previously depressed Just a decade ago, Salford’s housing areas of Salford on the rise, is there a „ market was in a state of collapse. Up to danger that local people will miss out a third of homes were empty in some on the benefits? “Well, regeneration is areas as people deserted the decay all about providing new and greater and social problems. opportunities for local people. Without McLaughlin admits that depopulation this, the impact of creating more has been a serious problem. “This issue jobs, improving infrastructure and is at the core of the city’s regeneration. developing high quality homes will all There are ambitious plans for a range be undermined,” says McLaughlin. of new employment opportunities, And what would she like to see from such as those at MediaCityUK, which the Salford of 2030? will underpin mixed sustainable “In a nutshell, that the city’s vision communities. Our challenge is to make and ambition become reality; sure that these opportunities create and that Salford plays a full part in the strengthen the neighbourhoods people economic prosperity of the region; choose to live in.” that empowered communities are To achieve this, regenerators have able to benefit fully from this growth; had to address the physical problems and that the city has created a range highlighted by countless urban of attractive, mixed and sustainable designers such as a lack of connectivity neighbourhoods.” and Salford’s failure to engage with its natural surroundings. 20 Central Salford issue#03 2009

MediaCityUK is designed as a 24- hour creative community of living, working and learning space.

Peter Salmon

He officially took the reigns at the start to Watchdog, Strictly Come Dancing of June, but the BBC’s first director north, to Dragon’s Den. Before that he held Peter Salmon, vividly recalls his first visit plenty of other senior BBC jobs including to the MediaCityUK site. director of sport and controller of BBC “When my appointment was One. announced I came up to Salford But Salmon admits that MediaCityUK the next morning for a tour. It was a leaves him awestruck. “It still takes crisp, clear December morning and my breath away every time I see the standing at the waterside, looking buildings going up on the site,” he says. straight into the amazing hive of activity, “One of the first things I say to anyone it really hit home that this is one of the I am talking to about our plans for the most exciting broadcasting ventures future is ‘have you been to Salford anywhere in the world.” Quays recently’? I think many people, As the anchor tenant of MediaCityUK, even seeing the computer images, progress on the BBC’s state-of-the-art don’t appreciate the scale of the building and its amalgamation into ambition until they have an opportunity life in Salford will be watched closely. to see it for themselves.” n Factors which Salmon, who hails from This is one of the region, is well aware of. “The scale of “ the opportunity is massive not just for the the most exciting BBC but for everyone in the north,” he says. “This would be a great challenge broadcasting wherever it was, but for someone who grew up in the north, it really is a once in ventures a lifetime opportunity.” While the BBC will not broadcast anywhere in the from its new home until 2011, Salmon says everyone is “very excited” about world receiving the keys to the first building in autumn 2009 for internal fit out to begin. More than 2,000 staff will „ eventually work from MediaCityUK in what represents the biggest move out of London in the BBC’s history. As well as the existing Manchester-based departments, BBC Sport, Children’s, Radio 5 Live, Formal Learning, and parts of the Future, Media and Technology department are making the 200-mile trip north. “Some of our most important and loved programmes like Match of the Day and Blue Peter will be in a new digital high definition multiplatform home on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal – a transformation from port to portal for Digital Britain,” observes Salmon. He is something of an expert when it comes to much loved television having presided over all of the BBC’s in-house programmes from Eastenders 21 Mixed use, single vision

English Cities Fund aims to show that high-quality, mixed-use regeneration schemes provide worthwhile opportunities for institutional investors alongside lasting community benefits and environmental improvements.

Our £1.5 billion regeneration portfolio comprises complex schemes in Salford, Liverpool, Wakefield, Plymouth and London.

A regeneration partnership involving Anchorage One, Anchorage Quay, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3YJ Tel: 0161 877 0016 www.englishcitiesfund.co.uk Fax: 0161 872 6531 Central Salford issue#03 2009 Community conscious Small scale improvements might not sound too exciting but they can have a dramatic effect on the lives of local people. Lane Palmer explains

etting community backing for part of the changes and ultimately feel over an intensive six-week period, while regeneration is vital but with proud of the improvements happening fundamentally changing the way in headline grabbing projects in their city. which public services were delivered in Glike MediaCityUK rising out Likewise, major regeneration can be the long term. of the ground at Salford Quays and a a long, slow process, which for people As a result of that initial pilot work £650 million development plan to put living and working in those areas can several schemes are now in place to the heart back into Chapel Street hitting be a frustrating time with so much implement small scale improvements the news, it is often easy to believe it’s promised but little improvement being that can help limit anti-social behaviour all about shiny new buildings. made in the interim. such as dumping rubbish and litter Re-connecting people to the The Spotlight programme was or harming the local environment. It opportunities around them has always introduced in 2007 to help focus is not just about cleaning up areas been a core part of the vision for attention on the things that really but making local residents feel safer Central Salford and while developments matter to local people. Spotlight by cutting back shrubbery and like MediaCityUK create a wealth of assembled all the public and voluntary overhanging branches, preventing anti- opportunities, there is still much to be agencies active in a neighbourhood social behaviour in the area and giving done to ensure the people of Salford and, together with the local people, people back a sense of pride in the can access those opportunities, be analysed some of the key social issues area they live. ➔ 23 Central Salford Community

The key to successful small scale changes is involving members of the community.

any comments?

Helping to make Central Salford Cleaner, Greener and Safer.

Salford’s Clean Team are cleaning up litter and crime across Central Salford.

The Ordsall and Langworthy Clean, unemployed local people who Green and Safe co-located tasking came through Salford City Council’s team, brings together Central Salford horticultural academy the task of local residents to provide feedback. URC, Salix Homes, Urban Vision, Salford creating a greener more welcoming Although the changes implemented City Council and Greater Manchester environment. Set up in late 2008 by by the team are relatively small scale Police at bi-weekly meetings to identify Salix Homes, Central Salford URC and the improvements have had a real and such issues. The problems of fly-tipping, Salford City Council, the Clean Team positive impact on the local community graffiti and overgrown, poorly managed was conceived as a way to improve who live alongside the sites. green spaces have had an obvious the physical environment, reduce anti- As PCSO Jackie Erentz reported, “The negative effect on the lives of local social behaviour and simultaneously clearing of the scrub and overgrown people and also adversely affect reduce worklessness by creating a local area near to Islington Mill has made a investor confidence. environmental response team. And it huge difference to the look and feel Working in partnership the team is has done just that. of the area – and as it was cleared, so tackling issues such as joy riding and The original team have gone on to anti-social activity has stopped.” fly tipping and have already achieved further employment opportunities, and Local pupil Byron Halliwell (aged significant results in the neighbourhoods a new team has taken their place. The nine), on behalf of St Philip’s School of Pendleton and Ordsall. greening is clearly documented by Council, said: “We want to say thank Another joint initiative, the Clean before and after pictures and a Clean you for helping us get the area around Team, gave six previously long-term Team calling card was introduced for the school cleaned up. We don’t like to 24 Central Salford issue#03 2009

A brighter outlook Emily Spruce lives in Ordsall having moved from Milton Keynes three years ago to study illustration. She walks along the riverside every day, and wanted to see the graffiti- marred area brightened up. Central Salford URC took up the idea and provided the financial support needed to move the project ahead. Local people got involved in the project to clean up the area and create a mural and helped select famous local landmarks to include. The painting took place over three weeks in May. Emily drew in the outlines of all the artwork, working alone the first week she was told off by some old ladies who assumed she was just another graffiti artist. ‘I had to convince them I had permission to paint!’ she laughs. Once the outlines were up, an army of local helpers, including young people who used the area regularly, began the Herculean task of colouring in. The smallest helpers, children from Primrose Hill school, painted the water while silhouettes of local youth club members were incorporated into the design; increasing their sense of ownership of the project. The launch event was attended by around two hundred people, many of whom were involved in some aspect of the mural’s creation. “I’ve really enjoyed working with other local people on this project and seeing it take shape. I’ve even been invited to work on other local arts projects,” Emily comments.

see all the rubbish around the school so the west of . we feel happier now because it looks Plans for the Ordsall neighbourhood much better.” include improving the pedestrian Although the There is a clear link between the environment from Ordsall Hall to Trafford “ condition of the local environment Road and reinforcing the link between changes are small and anti-social behaviour, something Exchange Quay Metrolink stop and the Green and Walkable Streets Ordsall Lane and introducing traffic scale they have programme is working on. Central calming measures. Salford’s vision of improving public Above all, its vibrant sense of had a real and realm and re-connecting communities community is what attracts new is taking shape. Phase one of the Green residents to Central Salford and what positive impact and Walkable Streets programme is convinces so many local people that under way in Chapel Street. Here the they want to stay. „ focus is on improvements to Bexley Square and Cathedral Walk as well as repairs to St John’s Square and walkways and improvements to the gardens to ➔ 25 Central Salford Community

Salford Lads and Girls Club provides a vital sporting and community facility.

New lease of life at historic Salford Lads and Girls Club

Set up in 1903 Salford Lads Club has provided a haven for local boys, and since 1994 girls, and still holds a massive appeal – more than 250 people a week use its meeting rooms and gyms. “Young members have a deep sense of pride in the club and we must not forget how important a sense of the past is,” says Leslie Holmes, project manager of Salford Lads and Girls Club. However, the club is in need of some major modernisation. “Due to the poor state of repair of the concert hall it was closed and we’ve had to turn down offers from film and theatre companies, bands wanting to perform, and companies wanting to hold conferences here,” says Holmes. Fortunately Central Salford URC recognised the importance of the club to the local community, and their support towards the cost of restoring the concert hall has come at a crucial stage in wider plans to make the building fit for the next 100 years. Salford Lads and Girls Club famously featured on The Smiths’ the Queen is Dead album and holds a special place in the heart of fans all over the world, some of who travelled to Salford for the photography exhibition by The Smiths’ original photographer Stephen Wright in May 2009 to celebrate the opening of the club’s restored concert hall. The hall’s official launch as a performance venue took place in September 2009 with a free concert by the Marchini Quartet, members of the BBC Philharmonic. 26 CCI Advert 1.eps 20/8/09 08:15:49

CCI are delighted to support Central Salford URC in delivering innovative, sustainable, collaborative solutions

C for the built environment.

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CUBE, 1st Floor, 113-115 Portland Street, Manchester M1 6DW.

Tel +44 (0) 161 295 5076 Project Part-Financed by the European Union Fax +44 (0) 161 295 5880 European Regional Development Fund email: [email protected] Images courtesy of Central Salford Urban Regeneration www.ccinw.com Central Salford Map

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28 >> To Altrincham Central Salford issue#03 2009

Major developments

An in-depth look at the main projects, under way and in the pipeline, that are set to transform Central Salford

Higher Broughton

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e t Harvey y a L a Nichols E iverpo g ccl ol s es St W pel Street New ree A6 Cha n M Roa t n Lowry Hotel a ar d Salford e ke Metrolink M 602 io t St Salford D ree lb Central t A The Crescent d Central a o Islington Mill L R iver Spinning elds poo ld l St e ree Middlewood Manchester Br t e oa ld t dw O a Central Piccadilly a g y L s Library Gardens in n k a e Piccadilly D U Station Reg p en p t Ro e MediaCityUK ad Beetham r tower Manchester B ro Conference o k y Centre S wa Salford t ad Oxford Road r ro e B Lads’ Club e t

Ordsall Ordsall Manchester Neighbourhood Waterfront City Centre MediaCity UK Ordsall Park M e ancunia an n Wa l L y The lowry al d s d a r Imperial o O R

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>> 29 To Altrincham Central Salford Projects: Chapel Street

Chapel Street Chapel Street’s transformation takes a major step forward, with plans submitted by English Cities Fund to revitalise the heart of the old

KEY STATiStics: ■ 17.7-hectare site ■ 864 apartments and townhouses ■ 197,010sq m of office space ■ 24,255sq m of local shops, small food stores, cafes, restaurants and bars ■ 2 hotels of 140 and 250 bedrooms

WHO’S INVOLVED: Developer partner - English Cities Fund Design - RHWL, Glenn Howells

30 Central Salford issue#03 2009

A new commercial quarter for the Chapel Street area will be balanced by the restoration of Chapel Street’s historic buildings.

he regeneration of Salford’s historic Chapel Street is making meaningful progress, with Tthe submission of a planning This mixed-use application for the 17.7-hectare site. “ The application is the largest the city has ever received and includes the scheme will creation of new public spaces, a new commercial quarter, the restoration encourage a of Chapel Street’s historic buildings, sustainable the creation of mixed-use centres of office, retail, leisure and residential community developments, and a pedestrian-friendly highway. Chapel Street occupies a key site in „ the city, acting as Salford’s link with areas such as MediaCityUK and Manchester city centre. The street itself occupies a benefit local communities and special place at the centre of life in the businesses. An emphasis is being placed city because of its historical and social on creating sustainable communities. relevance. Chris Farrow, chief executive of Phil Mayall of English Cities Fund, Central Salford URC, says: “We want comments: “This mixed-use scheme to create a vibrant, urban centre with will encourage the development of striking economic opportunity born a sustainable community, capturing out of the city’s fine heritage which benefits for both the neighbouring and will showcase its many historical and wider Salford areas. It is an important natural assets. Alongside this we will step on the road to regenerating what be providing a mix of quality family was formerly the civic heart of Salford.” homes and apartments and attracting Key to the area’s successful new business in whilst retaining and regeneration is ensuring the building on the creative industries that developments chosen are appropriate. are already established. We’ve always The submission of the planning appreciated that whilst MediaCityUK application for the scheme came after ‘makes us famous’, our regeneration more than two years of community of Chapel Street is what the URC will be and stakeholder consultation, and judged by.” incorporates feedback from these groups on what they feel will most 31 Understanding the drivers Thinking Big for regeneration projects Regeneration has many challenges; we explore some of these, with Salford and outline how the right advice can make a big difference. Stakeholder Management Place Making can help balance phased expenditure with potential revenue from tax relief or grant Identifying the respective interests and Each masterplanned scheme should seek funding. It is essential that anyone involved influence of stakeholders is critical to create a defining brand. A scheme in urban regeneration is seeking the greengate salford innovation 2 hardman sq to keeping control of a masterplan or that fosters a work, life, relaxation and right advice on land remediation, capital forum spinningfields regeneration project as they may come social environment will retain those allowances and grants as there may be real from vastly differing backgrounds and who live in it and attract others to it. opportunities to increase profit or make a have different agendas. On the Irwell City The Exchange Greengate project will Park project, key stakeholder engagement be led and facilitated by the delivery of project more viable. workshops were established early on and it distinct interventions, namely the Urban was imperative to address the full range of Cove, Greengate Link and Greengate Commercial Viability issues and establish understanding of and Square. Our experience of iconic spaces A careful balance of density and creating agreement to the strategy from the outset. and structures assisted the team to make vibrant well planned environments and early informed decisions on the major community is often top of the agenda. Land Diversity and Use interventions required to announce and Together with infrastructure costs and holt town chapel street connect the masterplan. utility enhancements, public realm can be a university of salford regeneration area Integrating different spaces in a balanced new masterplan key focus at the outset, as it is not directly way will allow a real community space income generating. Increasing densities at to be created which is integral to the Flexibility the expense of creating good quality public long term attraction of occupiers and Flexibility is required to adapt to realm and open spaces requires sensitive users. Optioneering plays a vital role at changes in market conditions and in testing to deliver viable results. every stage. During the redevelopment legislation. These changes and their of Manchester City Centre, the team impact on neighbouring occupiers can sought to establish a successful and well all be fundamental to how a regeneration received public realm solution by creating project is built out or phased. Flexibility in multi functional spaces such as Exchange development frameworks and masterplans irwell city park regeneration first street Square, that are durable, functional, safe are also key to balancing the portfolio of programme 1996-2007 manchester uses to match market demand. Benchmark manchester and secure. cost and programme information can be supported with market forecasts to allow Challenging times the development team to make informed demand you question decisions which respond to the market. convention. Market Sustainability leaders must remain Large scale regeneration projects should be able to adopt a wide reaching sustainable Paul Donlan constantly alert to what Davis Langdon’s Regeneration Specialist Images reproduced with kind permission of: Central Salford URC; Celtic Technologies, EDAW, The University of Salford and Ask Property Development Ltd. approach that is not possible with drives value and how individual building projects. Sustainability is becoming an ever increasing factor for Currently engaged to deliver better, faster end users. Carbon calculators can help Building on over £2 billion of and cheaper the team make decisions on sustainable ‘Consultant/Surveyor of the Year’ buildings and options which can be 2009 regeneration in Salford supported by grants and funding advice. and Manchester, property week Density Sustainability specialists can add a further dimension to support projects at every ‘Consultant of the Year’ Achieving a blend of development on a Davis Langdon’s stage and the earlier they are included, 2009 regeneration project that complies with the the more likely a cost effective solution blend of specialist development framework while generating can be identified and integrated into the sunday times a healthy income stream for financial design process. consultancy services ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ backers is a challenge. Sensitivity analysis 2009 is invaluable as market conditions change, and sector knowledge affecting demand and investment value. Forward Funding & Phasing can help reduce your The regeneration of Chapel Street tackles Financing costs represent a sizeable risk & instil clarity and Global construction consultants the challenge of providing high quality proportion of a development appraisal. A public realm and infrastructure whilst significant driver behind phasing proposals confidence, for more Cost Management | Project Management | Program Management | Banking Tax & Finance | Building Surveying | Design Project Management | Engineering creating buildings that deliver the is the requirement to balance cashflow with Services | Health & Safety Services | Legal Support | Management Consulting | Mixed-use Masterplanning | Specification Consulting | Value Planning & Risk optimum investment value. the investment profile. Financial Modelling successful projects www.davislangdon.com Understanding the drivers Thinking Big for regeneration projects Regeneration has many challenges; we explore some of these, with Salford and outline how the right advice can make a big difference. Stakeholder Management Place Making can help balance phased expenditure with potential revenue from tax relief or grant Identifying the respective interests and Each masterplanned scheme should seek funding. It is essential that anyone involved influence of stakeholders is critical to create a defining brand. A scheme in urban regeneration is seeking the greengate salford innovation 2 hardman sq to keeping control of a masterplan or that fosters a work, life, relaxation and right advice on land remediation, capital forum spinningfields regeneration project as they may come social environment will retain those allowances and grants as there may be real from vastly differing backgrounds and who live in it and attract others to it. opportunities to increase profit or make a have different agendas. On the Irwell City The Exchange Greengate project will Park project, key stakeholder engagement be led and facilitated by the delivery of project more viable. workshops were established early on and it distinct interventions, namely the Urban was imperative to address the full range of Cove, Greengate Link and Greengate Commercial Viability issues and establish understanding of and Square. Our experience of iconic spaces A careful balance of density and creating agreement to the strategy from the outset. and structures assisted the team to make vibrant well planned environments and early informed decisions on the major community is often top of the agenda. Land Diversity and Use interventions required to announce and Together with infrastructure costs and holt town chapel street connect the masterplan. utility enhancements, public realm can be a university of salford regeneration area Integrating different spaces in a balanced new masterplan key focus at the outset, as it is not directly way will allow a real community space income generating. Increasing densities at to be created which is integral to the Flexibility the expense of creating good quality public long term attraction of occupiers and Flexibility is required to adapt to realm and open spaces requires sensitive users. Optioneering plays a vital role at changes in market conditions and in testing to deliver viable results. every stage. During the redevelopment legislation. These changes and their of Manchester City Centre, the team impact on neighbouring occupiers can sought to establish a successful and well all be fundamental to how a regeneration received public realm solution by creating project is built out or phased. Flexibility in multi functional spaces such as Exchange development frameworks and masterplans irwell city park regeneration first street Square, that are durable, functional, safe are also key to balancing the portfolio of programme 1996-2007 manchester uses to match market demand. Benchmark manchester and secure. cost and programme information can be supported with market forecasts to allow Challenging times the development team to make informed demand you question decisions which respond to the market. convention. Market Sustainability leaders must remain Large scale regeneration projects should be able to adopt a wide reaching sustainable Paul Donlan constantly alert to what Davis Langdon’s Regeneration Specialist Images reproduced with kind permission of: Central Salford URC; Celtic Technologies, EDAW, The University of Salford and Ask Property Development Ltd. approach that is not possible with drives value and how individual building projects. Sustainability is becoming an ever increasing factor for Currently engaged to deliver better, faster end users. Carbon calculators can help Building on over £2 billion of and cheaper the team make decisions on sustainable ‘Consultant/Surveyor of the Year’ buildings and options which can be 2009 regeneration in Salford supported by grants and funding advice. and Manchester, property week Density Sustainability specialists can add a further dimension to support projects at every ‘Consultant of the Year’ Achieving a blend of development on a Davis Langdon’s stage and the earlier they are included, 2009 regeneration project that complies with the the more likely a cost effective solution blend of specialist development framework while generating can be identified and integrated into the sunday times a healthy income stream for financial design process. consultancy services ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ backers is a challenge. Sensitivity analysis 2009 is invaluable as market conditions change, and sector knowledge affecting demand and investment value. Forward Funding & Phasing can help reduce your The regeneration of Chapel Street tackles Financing costs represent a sizeable risk & instil clarity and Global construction consultants the challenge of providing high quality proportion of a development appraisal. A public realm and infrastructure whilst significant driver behind phasing proposals confidence, for more Cost Management | Project Management | Program Management | Banking Tax & Finance | Building Surveying | Design Project Management | Engineering creating buildings that deliver the is the requirement to balance cashflow with Services | Health & Safety Services | Legal Support | Management Consulting | Mixed-use Masterplanning | Specification Consulting | Value Planning & Risk optimum investment value. the investment profile. Financial Modelling successful projects www.davislangdon.com Central Salford Projects: XXXXXXX BUILDING THE FUTURE ON QUALITY

SUPPORTING SALFORD’S REGENERATION SINCE 1973 EST 1959

The Lowry Outlet Mall, Imperial Point Orbit House & Emerson House Eccles & Sovereign Point Salford Quays

Lowry Outlet Mall Lowry Outlet Mall Sovereign Point Sovereign Point Sovereign Point Plaza Reception Retail Shops Apartment Lounge Apartment Bedroom Penthouse Garden The Emerson Group has long enjoyed a successful working relationship with the City of Salford. Ever since 1973, when The Group’s Commercial Division launched the 8-storey Orbit House in Eccles which was soon followed by the 48,000 sq ft 10-storey Emerson House, Eccles it has continued to provide office accommodation of the highest quality. Today, one of the primary tenants is Urban Vision Partnerships Ltd, a joint venture between Salford City Council, Capita Symonds and Morrison plc, whose key role is to champion the City’s regeneration. Others tenants in Eccles include The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Niche Healthcare and Housing People Ltd. Both buildings are now enclosed in a secure joint complex with new multi-storey car parking facilities. The construction of a new Law Courts building to the rear of these offices is due to take place in the near future. Imperial Point Apartment Tower Acquired some ten years ago, the main tenant at St. James’s House, Pendleton is Salford Primary Care Trust, occupants of over 50,000 sq ft. Recently awarded ‘Secure By Design’ building status, the managed and serviced offices provide an ideal seedbed for new companies’ growth, together with a flexible environment for larger, more established organisations. Situated in Salford Quays’ premier waterfront location, The Lowry Outlet Mall is a landmark mixed-use development offering shopping, leisure, fitness club, cinema, restaurants, bars and office accommodation. Residents in the award-winning residential apartment buildings enjoy panoramic views, looking out over an area of outstanding architectural interest which includes internationally recognised landmarks like The Lowry arts centre, the Millennium Footbridge, The Imperial War Museum North and Manchester United’s famous ‘Theatre of Dreams’ football stadium. Coming soon to Pacific Quays, one of Salford’s most vibrant business locations, are Broadway House and Curzon House. Occupying a prominent position adjacent to the historic Manchester Ship Canal, these two 3-storey Sovereign Point buildings will, between them, provide over 50,000 sq ft of superior Grade A office accommodation. Apartment Tower With a planning application submitted for a third residential apartment tower at The Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford Quays, The Group continues to demonstrate its commitment to, and confidence in, the future of Salford. Complementing Imperial Point and Sovereign Point, this exciting 20-storey development will provide 98 luxury apartments with commanding views over Huron Basin. This prestigious scheme is expected to be of particular interest to BBC staff planning to re-locate from London in readiness for the futuristic MediaCity:UK at Salford Quays. This purpose-built ‘media zone’ is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs and add £170m to the regional economy. In summary the Group’s long-term involvement in Salford has led to the creation of excellent landlord / tenant relationships, which has resulted in repeat business, with many tenants choosing to expand or transfer to other premises in the Group’s portfolio.

Proposed New Apartment Tower Proposed Broadway House Future Media City:UK St. James’s House at The Lowry Outlet Mall Salford Quays Adjacent to The Lowry Outlet Mall Pendleton

B U I L D I N G S U C C E S S S T O R I E S F R O M T H E U . K . T O P O R T U G A L & T H E U . S . A . Emerson International: Building & Letting of Offices, Development of Golfing Communities & Holiday & Residential Accommodation in Portugal & the U.S.A. Jones Homes: Residential Developers - Detached Homes, Mews Homes, Townhouses & Apartments Orbit Developments: Developers of Prestigious Offices, Retail, Leisure & Business Parks Jones Contracts: Design & Build Projects. Offices, Industrial, Retail & Leisure Developments Holidays Select: Specialising in Worldwide Holidays, particularly the Portuguese Algarve & the U.S.A. 34 Emerson House Heyes Lane Alderley Edge Cheshire SK9 7LF Tel: 01625 588400 Fax: 01625 585791 www.emerson.co.uk Central Salford issue#03 2009

Greengate Modern, design-led public realm is at the heart of the dramatic mixed-use plans for Greengate, which will re-connect the cities of Salford and Manchester

Ask news:

Ask Developments has been the focus of a management buyout led by Ken Knott, the company chief executive. Knott said the move was in response to talks to sell a stake in the business to private equity house Infinity Asset Management and hopes he Greengate area of the city Greengate Link will transform the area, centre is set for major change bringing with them an iconic footbridge the deal will strengthen now the planning application across the River Irwell, linking Salford and Ask’s capital resources. Tfor the public realm has been Manchester. The area will also feature a approved. Work is expected to start on series of sculptures and light installations the first phase of the development in leading the way through to the new spring 2010. public square, which will act as the The scheme will create a new centrepiece of the new quarter. KEY STATiStics: area of the city, with large-scale After the Urban Cove is created, ■ 13-hectare site development of the public realm, the attention will switch to Ask Developments ■ 2010 work set to begin introduction of high quality shops, a and Network Rail, who must remove part ■ 1.9-hectare public realm hotel, business and residential space all of the viaduct to allow development adding to Greengate’s vastly expanded of their commercial scheme and car WHO’S INVOLVED: offer. The work focuses on an important, park, before work can begin on the Client - Salford City Council yet underutilised, area that links the Greengate Link. Developer partner - Ask historic centre of Salford to Manchester, John Hughes, development director Developments, Network Rail and the transformation of the at Ask Developments, says: “The level Funder - Homes and 13-hectare site is a key component of of interaction between Ask, Network Communities Agency (HCA) Central Salford’s overall regeneration Rail, Central Salford URC, the Homes Cost consultant - Turner & strategy. and Communities Agency and Salford Townsend The project will be delivered in two City Council has been excellent, to the Project manager - Faithful and stages, the first of which will see the point that, subject to market demand, Gould creation of the new areas of public we are now at a stage whereby we can Design - Arup, Whitelaw & realm. Designed by Whitelaw Turkington commence construction within a short Turkington and Arup the Urban Cove and timescale.” 35 Central Salford Projects: MediaCityUK

MediaCityUK This vast waterside site continues to dominate the news and the skyline of Salford as development of phase one of the project continues to progress

KEY STATiStics: ■ 14-hectare site ■ 2011 - completion due of ndeniably Salford’s highest with people, and as each day of the phase one of development profile, and furthest advanced, construction programme passes, we’re ■ MediaCityUK will regeneration project; getting closer to welcoming the visitors, accommodate 2,500 BBC U MediaCityUK continues apace. workers and students who will make this staff and 700 university staff July 2009 saw a key milestone achieved a true media community.” members and students with the topping out of the 27,870sq m David Glover, construction director of Studio Block Tower. Peel is continuing to Peel Holdings, comments: “MediaCityUK WHO’S INVOLVED: progress the first stage of the country’s is a hugely significant project, not just for Anchor tenants - BBC and first dedicated media city, scheduled Peel but for the north west – and indeed University of Salford to reach completion in 2011, and put the UK – as a whole. Funding partner - NWDA, Salford Salford on the map. “There are around 2,000 people City Council Bryan Gray, chairman of Peel working on site at the moment, which Developer - Peel Holdings Media, says: “Although phase one of is all the more impressive when you Architects - Wilkinson Eyre, Benoy, MediaCityUK won’t be operational until consider the challenges that the Fairhurst Design Group, Sheppard 2011, the size and scale of it means it construction industry is currently facing. Robson, Chapman Taylor has already transformed this corner of We’ve awarded more than £188 million Management contractor - Bovis Salford Quays. Of course, the city will worth of contracts to companies in Lend Lease only truly come to life when it is filled Salford and Greater Manchester.” 36 “A highly relevant and stimulating experience because of the topicality of the regeneration funding issues being addressed. A rare opportunity for bringing forward the implementation of existing ideas and the encouragement of new approaches to regeneration funding.”

Christopher Munday, head of funding solutions, Department for The Economy and Transport, Welsh Assembly.

innovations in regeneration finance

13 April 2010, Hotel Russell, London WC1B 5BE

www.socinvest.co.uk For further information contact Shelley Cook on 07972 866281 or [email protected] Central Salford Projects: Irwell City Park

Irwell City Park Plans to place the river back at the heart of Salford within a new urban park are moving forward

onsiderable progress has been made on the Irwell City Park scheme since publication C of the last issue of Central Salford and the vision to maximise the position and relevance of the city’s river through an 8km waterside urban park is moving closer to reality. January 2009 saw the appointment of the project’s architects, planners and designers, and signified the start of a new era in the creation of Irwell City Park. Global consultancy firm Davis Langdon has been appointed to act as project manager and quantity surveyor for the scheme, and Broadway Malyan, along with Form Associates and Gifford will make up the design team responsible for shaping the project. It is anticipated the teams involved will develop the outline vision into a deliverable project by November 2010. Peter Crowther, development director at Bruntwood, says: “It’s really good to see movement on the project. I don’t think anyone went in to it thinking it was going to be delivered overnight but the way things are moving forward now, especially given the economic circumstances, is very encouraging. “The project is something everyone involved has totally bought in to. People wish to see it come to fruition, and the team at Central Salford URC have managed to maintain the momentum, so hats off to them because it has been hard to get any projects moving. “It is vital in moving the city region forward. Most successful cities have waterside developments and work off the back of it. It is a crucial element of enhancing the feel of the city, and it adds extra connectivity, added leisure space and likely enhanced tourism revenues. It adds to the offer of the city, and is long overdue.” As well as creating a higher quality public realm, and reinstating the river at the heart of city life, Irwell City Park also connects MediaCityUK and Salford Quays to Greengate and Victoria Street in the city centre, connecting £3 billion of economic investment. 38 Central Salford issue#03 2009

The 8km Irwell City Park will provide the potential setting for £3 billion of economic investment.

KEY STATISTICS: n 8km stretch of the River Irwell n 280-hectare project n £40 million estimated total value n November 2009: proposals to reach planning stage n March 2010: completion of detailed design and technical assessment phase

WHO’S INVOLVED: n Partners - Central Salford URC, Salford City Council, Manchester City Council, Trafford MBC, n Design - Broadway Malyan, Form Associates, Gifford n Project managers - Davis Langdon n Quantity Surveyors - Davis Langdon n Business planning - ekosgen n Funding partner - NWDA

39 Central Salford Projects: Creative

Chapel Street Creates Experience has shown that cultural and creative industries play an essential role in successful urban regeneration, and Salford is no exception

hapel Street, at the heart of Chapel Street, which is home to more November 2009 will also welcome Salford, in particular is proving than 50 creative enterprises including Fat Northerner records to Chapel Street to be an ideal location in ceramicists, web designers and theatre for Clarke-fest, an event inspired by the Cwhich to foster creative companies. It features an art gallery, bard of Salford, John Cooper Clarke. “It talent with over 100 creative businesses a recording studio and holds regular will be a Jools Holland style event with located nearby. open-house events. The Mill has an all artists performing one track and John The street has a distinctive character impressive track record in generating Cooper Clarke doing his thing as well,” due to the mix of old buildings, which activities such as Sounds from the Other says Ruth Daniel of Fat Northener. are being reused in unique ways by City that spill out of the Mill and impact Clarke-fest follows hot on the heels of the creative community. Mark Carlin, of upon the wider district. the critically acclaimed Un-Convention, Sounds from the Other City, an annual But it’s not just Islington Mill that an annual independent DIY music music festival held in venues along Chapel Street’s creative community conference held in Chapel Street’s Chapel Street, elaborates, “Sounds from calls home. Visual artists are thriving Sacred Trinity Church and Blueprint the Other City has been described as in Cow Lane Studios, Hot Bed Press, Studios. “Un-Convention’s events are a rock and roll village fêté. There are Suite Studios, Manchester Artists’ Studio unique,” says Daniel. “Holding them so many nooks and crannies around Association and Studio Salford. In here makes perfect sense as the Chapel Street and those interesting November 2009, Art from the Other place is also one of a kind. It feels like spaces help bring the event alive.” City will bring this wealth of artistic talent something is happening here. It is a Carlin is based at Islington Mill, just off together for an open studio exhibition. special place and a special time.” n

Famous Salford creatives: ■ Ben Kingsley ■ John Cooper Clarke ■ new Order ■ L S Lowry ■ albert Finney ■ The Ting Tings ■ Russell Watson ■ Christopher Eccleston ■ Harold Riley ■ Graham Nash ■ Alistair Cooke ■ Robert Powell ■ Sir Peter Maxwell Davis ■ Francis Hodgson Burnett ■ Ewan MacColl 40 14889 Central Salford A4 28/05/2009 16:30 Page 1

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www.cobbetts.com Birmingham I Leeds I London I Manchester Cobbetts LLP is a limited liability partnership Central Salford Infrastructure Thinking ahead Where do you start when creating an entirely new district in a city? Mark Smulian investigates how Salford’s state-of-the-art infrastructure will ensure it prospers

42 Central Salford issue#03 2009

Salford’s transport network is good but improvements are at the heart of Dramatic plans for infrastructure the River Irwell, as plans. it becomes central to Salford’s economy again.

pwards of a million visitors a Inevitably many visitors will arrive year could be heading to by car. MediaCityUK developer Peel MediaCityUK – quite apart from is building a new link road into the site Uthe four million visitors who from junction 2 of the M602 at Eccles, already visit the Quays annually and which will give a direct connection. the thousands of people who work and Perhaps the most unusual live there. Although the site is readily innovation is the possible use of water accessed from two M602 junctions, with taxis – ‘Waxis’ to and from central increasing public concern about road Manchester. traffic the plan is for people to arrive by Not quite, perhaps, Venice on the tram, bus and even water taxi. Irwell, but still an enjoyable way to The £19.75 million Metrolink extension travel and one that would increase into MediaCityUK will be operational by access to a river on which Salford and June 2010. This, and four new trams will neighbours Manchester and Trafford effectively double the frequency and have historically turned their backs. capacity of this line. This investment These Waxis, which could carry will put MediaCityUK within easy reach 15-20 passengers, would further of large parts of Greater Manchester, reduce the growth in road traffic by particularly once other scheduled effective use of the river corridor by Metrolink extensions are built. commuters. “Our plan is to encourage public MediaCityUK will of course draw transport and we are using carrots people from digital and creative rather than sticks,” says Jane Deane, industries from around the world, so programme director of the MediaCityUK international connections by air are public sector partnership – a body vital. The next phase of Metrolink which comprises Central Salford URC, extensions will provide a direct tram Salford City Council and the Northwest link to Manchester Airport, and there Regional Development Agency. are already good rail links. Getting the infrastructure right The airport hopes MediaCityUK will requires the commitment and be a factor that will help it to attract a collaboration of these partners and wider range of intercontinental routes others, everyone from the Highways so that Manchester becomes a larger Agency to Greater Manchester hub for international business travel Passenger Transport Executive to bus and fewer people take short-haul operators. flights to London Heathrow to make Buses will be vital to the integration connections. of the site with the rest of Salford. There A recent conference hosted by will be a lot of investment in bus services the airport heard that the provision but what will be done initially is to put of routes to China, Malaysia, Japan, in a shuttle bus running from Salford Boston and Los Angeles is under Crescent rail station, at the entrance to consideration. the University of Salford campus through Airport commercial director Pendleton. Andrew Harrison, says: “We have got a This is a difficult route at present, great story to tell but also have some but the new shuttle would run via of the best kept secrets, such as the

I Salford Shopping City, which is served BBC relocating to MediaCityUK and LE S by 126 buses an hour, so that easy when you say that to an airline they sit ER

MI interchange will increase the use of up and take notice.” O buses by MediaCityUK visitors. The infrastructure needed to make Talks are also well under way with a success of MediaCityUK is not of

AEL WYSZ operators about running more local course limited to transport; an attractive

MICH buses into MediaCityUK. environment is vital. ➔ 43 Central Salford Infrastructure

Salford’s mix of improved transport and Dramatic plans for communications the River Irwell, as infrastructure will it becomes central put it ahead of the to Salford’s game. economy again.

Paul Simpson, managing director MediaCityUK will have perhaps of Visit Manchester, explains the need the UK’s first ‘fibre to the premises’ for MediaCityUK to work as a leisure (FTTP) connections which provide the Cities with good destination and a place of work: “There only way, Carter says, to meet the “ will be many events in the piazza but unprecedented demand there for infrastructure are our job is to bring life to it all the time. It broadband. “New investment in open could be used for major events like the access fibre networks in Salford will attractive to BBC Proms in the summer but we want it ensure Britain does not continue to fall to be attractive in January too.” behind other countries because no one investors The site’s digital infrastructure is still is yet building FTTP here,” he says. being planned but will go live in January Manchester is the only significant „ 2010 and include a fibre network to all internet exchange outside London and buildings to handle the media industry’s MediaCityUK’s new digital infrastructure demand for large bandwidths and will consolidate this advantage. There are a series of public realm connectivity to global networks. There The idea is to equip for the long term. improvement projects proposed at key will be wi-fi available across the site and “No one knows exactly what people will gateways to ensure this happens. Even all residential apartments will enjoy high be doing with high speed connections before visitors arrive, they will be greeted speed internet access. in the future, but new applications and by landscaping and public art to Dave Carter, head of the Manchester services are being created all the time, signpost the route to MediaCityUK from Digital Development Agency, explains we didn’t know about Youtube 10 years the motorway. how this will benefit not just those who ago,” Carter notes. In MediaCityUK itself, a vast piazza live and work at MediaCityUK but also These efforts with transport, public bigger than Trafalgar and Leicester the wider region. “MediaCityUK will start realm and digital infrastructure will Square combined will form the off with a ‘future proof’ communications ensure MediaCityUK is not only an centrepiece for visitors. Surrounded by infrastructure, operated by Peel Media attractive place to live and work but bars and restaurants it will also have in partnership with a telecoms operator one that is easy to reach physically and a leading supermarket. The piazza will and service provider,” he says. digitally. n be an ‘18 hour’ destination with an “Cities with good communications emphasis on high-quality restaurants, infrastructure are attractive to investors cafes and bars. A giant video screen will and have higher property values. They relay performances from nearby studios are better equipped to grow strong and from around the world. knowledge and creative economies.” 44 08/09/2009 08:43 www.visitsalford.info Visit Salford Visit ... take a fresh fresh a take ...

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1367_CS_ad_FOX_2009.indd 1 3/9/09 16:29:29 Central Salford issue#03 2009

A higher state Although the primary role of a university is that of an educational establishment, they are increasingly being recognised for their wider contribution to the cities they represent. Alex Aspinall reports 47 Central Salford Universities

The brand new Centenary and Mary Seacole buildings.

lthough undergraduates come “And it follows that whenever a And Salford is no exception; the and go, the institution that city centre-based university invests in university has a £650 million ten-year attracts them is a permanent its estate, it is also investing in its city, masterplan. A fixture in the fabric of the city. not only because nicer buildings in The development likely to collect the Its contribution extends significantly a city improve the streetscape and most superlatives and headline space is beyond bringing economically active the general feel, but also because of clearly the university’s MediaCityUK site individuals into the area, and, as the accelerator impact on the local (see box over page). A grant of regeneration programmes around the area from investment in major capital £8 million was awarded to the university country continue to alter and improve projects.” by the Higher Education Funding our cities, universities are taking centre But this is not the only way universities Council for England in June to create stage. contribute to urban regeneration. As well the 9,569sq m of space over four floors. Adrian Graves, registrar and secretary as being significant developers of new Frank Benton, executive director at the University of Salford, says: buildings, facilities and infrastructure of estates and property services, is “Universities have only been playing projects, universities are commonly positive about how his team are working a large role in regeneration in the last major employers; they are valuable to deliver the next chapters in the ten or so years. It has happened for a clients for all kinds of local businesses; university’s history, and he recognises number of reasons, such as increased they carry out valuable research into the benefit his work is having, both international competition between the field; forge important relationships inside and outside the university universities putting greater attention on with the business community, and help walls. He says: “Our masterplan will the quality of the university estate. We provide these businesses with skilled be delivered in a logical, progressive have to provide a wider range of better employees for the future. fashion. We are not going to spend all quality student services, housing and In short, universities are an invaluable our money in one go; it will be done in teaching facilities in order to remain part of any city’s efforts towards a way that makes sense, in a phased competitive. regeneration and inward investment. development.” 48 Central Salford issue#03 2009

A strong university “becomes a catalyst for „businesses

The university’s MediaCityUK facility received a HEFCE grant of £8 million.

“It benefits the university by providing a correct and proper environment for teaching, learning and research at the university, rather than making do with buildings designed in the 1960s and 1970s that are unsuitable now. Older buildings have huge maintenance backlogs and they aren’t receptive to modern ways of working. “The local community benefits with the materials and labour required to put the buildings up, and with the regeneration of the estate, which will attract new students in the future. There is a multiplier effect to it, and we are ensuring that the university has a future.” Karen Hirst, development director at Central Salford URC says: “A strong and active university becomes a catalyst for other related businesses and contributes to the regeneration and creation of sustainable places. “The university is a key regeneration partner, as the main campus is in the ➔ 49 Central Salford Universities

The University of “Salford is part of the fabric of „the city heart of the Central Salford area. The MediaCityUK (FIRM) which has a – they can’t always look at the longer university’s land ownership is extensive planned £40 million programme to term. But universities are specifically and covers approximately 70-hectares. bring together strong technical and there to research the future and look It is critical that we work together to social perspectives to create an at opportunities, so that is where they embrace their new masterplan and the enhanced intellectual infrastructure. ought to come together. key linkages with The Crescent including Commitment to urban regeneration “It does take a certain level of effort Salford Crescent Station, Chapel Street, was underlined last year when for this to happen, and I would say that, Pendleton, The Meadows and Lower the university played a key role in in Salford, the university has done this. Broughton and Salford Innovation Park.” establishing SURegen, a partnership Part of the idea of being an enterprising Adrian Graves also recognises the comprising six universities and nine non- university is engaging with people. I think importance of the close relationship academic organisations, seeking to that the University of Salford is part of the between the university, and its “tackle the complexity, uncertainty and fabric of the city.” regeneration partners. “We think ambiguity of the regeneration process Adrian Graves agrees. He has excellent working relationships between and its outcomes.” The group, which seen the university’s involvement us and the URC and Salford City Council includes partners such as Manchester in its city grow, and is pleased to are essential,” he says. “We have regular University and Liverpool University, as well see the institution having a positive meetings with the URC, some of its as Arc4, Arup and Salford City Council, effect on more than just the students members are involved with Salford City works with regeneration professionals passing through its doors each year. Council and the regeneration of the across the board, and aims to help He says: “There is tonnes of literature university, and the links are outstanding. facilitate greater understanding and demonstrating that lively, creative We also have regular meetings with the better practice in the field. 21st century cities have, at their senior planning officers at the council These links with local and larger heart, higher education institutions, to update them and consult them on businesses are particularly important, carrying out leading research, and various issues.” and beneficial, as Andy Hamilton, skills development. The impact, The university has joined together technical director for SURegen, explains: therefore, of universities on their cities is with other universities, businesses and “One of the problems cities, and fundamental.” n the BBC to create the Framework local authorities, face is that there is for Research and Innovation in not always a lot of money available

The 21st century media hub will play technology. The benefits of being host to a range of media organisations based in MediaCityUK are too many to including the BBC, the Pie Factory and limit its impact to a small proportion of the University of Salford. the university’s departments. The university is the second anchor Adrian Graves, the university’s tenant at the development in Salford registrar and secretary, has been Quays, its 9,569sq m, four-storey closely involved with the decision building will occupy a prime waterside to establish a base at the site. He spot beside the BBC’s base. It will focus says: “It is one of the most exciting on employer-led and postgraduate developments in Europe, and we are learning and research collaboration, at the heart of it. It is hugely exciting, featuring a broadcast zone, a digital and increasingly we are getting media zone, a virtual laboratory, digital signals that our students, and people performance space and creative that want to work at the university are spaces for use in academic teaching, coming to us for this reason. project-based learning and user- “The most successful media cities University of centred design and innovation. are those with universities at their heart, Salford @ A university-wide approach has and in the context of a knowledge been taken to the development – it economy, it makes a lot of sense that MediaCityUK won’t just be media-related concerns bodies creating and disseminating in MediaCityUK – many 21st century knowledge will play a significant role industries will be represented, including in determining the character and business, health and science and prosperity of cities in the future.” 50 The University of Salford – at the heart of the city’s regeneration

Delivering regeneration to an entire city requires a about the benefits of education. And we hold summer commitment at every level – business, the community camps where local children get a taste of university life. and the major projects which will define its future. And we’ll be at MediaCityUK. The University of Salford is a driving force behind We’ve invested in over 100,000 square feet right next the once in a generation opportunity for Salford to door to the BBC buildings, where our students can find become a world-leading city. Our services and dedicated work experience and our researchers can develop the professionals can make the difference in your business, future of media alongside international partners such your street and across the entire city. as MIT and the BBC. We’re among the national leaders in delivering bespoke training for companies. Training that’s designed with Find out more about what we deliver and what business to give a recognised qualification which is tailored we can deliver for you. to the needs and flexibility of individual organisations. www.salford.ac.uk We have teams of staff and students dedicated to going out and meeting the community – letting them know T 0161 295 5000