Topping out for £1bn mixed use scheme
Yorkshire-based real estate developer and investor Scarborough International Properties and Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI) have marked a major milestone in the construction of phase one at Middlewood Locks, the £1bn mixed use development in Salford.
A ‘topping out’ ceremony took place on the roof of the final building in the first phase of the development which comprises 571 apartments and 10,000 sq ft of commercial space. The internal fit out is now underway with the first residents expected to move in in spring 2018.
Last November BCEGI signed an £85m contract with FairBriar International, a joint venture partnership between Scarborough, Hualing Group of China and Singapore listed Metro Holdings to deliver phase one.
The 24.5-acre Middlewood Locks development is now progressing apace to deliver a vibrant new waterside neighbourhood where Salford and Manchester meet.
It will provide 2,215 new homes and 900,000 sq ft of commercial space including offices, hotel, shops, restaurants, a convenience store and gym.
Middlewood Locks also has the largest allocation of new homes available through Help to Buy in the city.
Kevin McCabe, chairman of Scarborough, said: “We are delighted to achieve ‘topping out’ for the first phase of our Middlewood Locks development which signifies an extremely successful partnership with BCEGI. Despite a complex delivery programme and tight timescale this first phase remains on schedule, to the credit of BCEGI and the wider project team.
“Middlewood Locks is a major undertaking for us and I am pleased to say greatly supports the regional economy with strong job creation and ultimately much needed new homes in the city.”
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett said: “It is very pleasing to see the Middlewood Locks project becoming the success story that we had envisaged, bringing real benefit to the people of Salford. This is a brownfield derelict site being brought back into beneficial use with a new residential district.
“Together with BCEGI we have had great success in securing work opportunity for our young people and to date Middlewood Locks has employed 15 apprentices. Furthermore, over 60% of the Middlewood Locks workforce is from the local area and my colleagues at Salford City Council have been working closely with BCEGI to establish work placements and host open days resulting in ten full time positions taken by people who were previously struggling to get back into employment.
“We are excited to see further benefits for the community through working together over the future phases of this development, ensuring that growth in the city delivers on our social values and tackling poverty aspirations as a city. ”
Scarborough International Properties chairman Kevin McCabe addresses the audience
