The Peel Group is seeking outline planning permission for the project which would take place over the next 20 years on the site that lies immediately to the east of the existing MediaCityUK complex and is bound by South Langworthy Road, Broadway and The Quays, extending to a total of just over 10 hectares.
The proposed development, which is expected to be delivered in four phases and will complement the existing site, it says, consisting of 212,000 square meters of offices, 95,000 square meters of residential, 26,000 square meters of hotel, 8,000 square meters of retail, 2.500 square meters of leisure, 115,000 square meters of car parking and high quality public spaces with potential for a pedestrian loop around Dock 9.
The company says it is in line with the city council’s strategy for 2010/2030 and the plans have been devised with regard not only for good urban design principles but also the infrastructure needs of Salford Quays as a whole, including transport and green priorities.
The aspiration is to create a sustainable community which meets people’s social, economic and environmental needs, and takes a responsible approach to energy and resource consumption.
Key green aspects include: improved pedestrian/cycle access to surrounding neighbourhoods and public transport system; retention of existing trees to create an ‘ecology corridor’; and water features and green roofs to attenuate rainwater run off and rainwater harvesting.
Also the buildings will be specially designed to facilitate high levels of natural light and ventilation and be capable of accommodating low energy technologies, including water heaters and combined heat and power systems.
Discussions have already taken place with the local authority and this process will be extended to existing businesses on the site, other interested parties and the wider community. Peel and the city council are working together to ensure the most effective means of consultation as the proposals become more clearly defined.
‘We see the new development playing a pivotal role in supporting what Peel has already built in the initial phases, as well as furthering the city council’s aspiration of creating a new town centre at Salford Quays,’ said Stephen Wild, managing director, MediaCityUK.
‘This is a 20 year plan and demonstrates our continuing long term commitment to the area. We will now consult as widely as possible in producing our detailed plans,’ he added.
