Chapel Wharf development framework given seal of approval

CGI of proposed transformation of Chapel Wharf

A development framework spanning 47-acres is to be adopted in Salford City Council in a bid to regenerate the central area of the city and help secure investment and strategic growth opportunities.

The Chapel Wharf framework – which was adopted by Salford City Council earlier this month – was produced by a mutli-disciplinary team, led by OPEN (Optimised Environments) with advice from Savills and Civic Engineers on behalf of the council.

It outlines the potential development, public realm investment and place-making opportunities in the area over the next 15 to 20 years.

They key objectives for the regeneration of Chapel Wharf include: Reactivating underused railway arches; creating an accessible, high quality riverside environment along the Irwell; making Chapel Street and other major roads across the neighbourhood more user friendly and inviting for pedestrians by introducing walking and cycling routes; connecting the burgeoning areas of Greengate and New Bailey; supplying a more diverse mix of homes and; exploring other development opportunities in the area.

Jay Patel, Savills’ Manchester-based planning director, said: “Savills planning and development teams advised Salford City Council throughout the production of the development framework on planning matters, community engagement and the consultation process.

“This is a huge project which will reinvigorate this important part of Salford as a destination and really bring the community to life and we are delighted that the framework has now been adopted.”

Mark Foster, OPEN’s Manchester urban design lead for the project, said: “Chapel Wharf is going to play an important role in supporting the wider regeneration and evolution of City Centre Salford, by supporting development and investment opportunities rooted in 15-minute neighbourhood principles.

“Reinvigorating the area’s distinctive viaducts, establishing comfortable pedestrian links, reclaiming major infrastructure and advocating development of scale sensitive to its historic context will all combine to support a sustainable community and offer another side to City Centre Salford. We are pleased to see the framework adopted and look forward to the neighbourhoods next phases of change.”

The masterplan area extends to Trinity Way to the North, the River Irwell to the South, Bridge Street to the West and is intersected by the railway line connecting Salford Central with Manchester Victoria stations.

In the East, the site stretches to Blackfriars Road but does not include the neighbouring Greengate area, which already has a development framework in place.

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