There is set to be a big boost in commercial property space in Salford, Manchester, after work on a new development project begins later this month.
The Salford Central scheme will bring 2.3 million sq ft of office space to the area, combining both commercial and residential sites on Chapel Street. The area will act as a scheme to link the city centre with MediaCityUK, offering new shops, restaurants, homes and offices to the public.
The full project will be based across two sites that will span Chapel Street, Central station, the Adelphi and Bexley Square. In total, the scheme will cover 17 hectares, offering new office space, 390 hotel rooms and 849 homes.
Much of the commercial space will be in New Bailey, which hopes to turn the disused area near Central station into a major hub for offices. The project hopes to create 11,000 new jobs within the area, whilst the full scheme is being run by both Salford Council and the English Cities Fund. The Greater Manchester City Authority and the Homes and Communities Agency have also fully backed the plans; both having invested £3.4 million into the project.
Derek Antrobus, assistant mayor for strategic planning, said that the development is an “exciting and ambitious project” which will create “a vibrant hub at the heart of the community.”
Mr Antrobus added: “As well as new homes for Salford people, building them close to the city centre means fewer extra commuter journeys. It also eases pressure on greenfield sites."
Planning permission for the project was granted back in January 2010, and hopes are that construction will be completed next year. The first tenants are set to move into the new office space in September 2014.