Salford city centre to be transformed in £2.5 billion plan – with 3,000 new homes and a new bridge

Ambitious plans for the £2.5 billion Salford Crescent regeneration have kicked off, targeting the transformation of part of the city centre. The comprehensive strategy intends to deliver 3,000 new homes, office space, and will include the building of an inviting pedestrian and cycling bridge.

The project envisions a one-million square feet development of offices coupled with retail and leisure spaces, and a new innovation district in proximity to the University of Salford designed to bring together academics, researchers, and corporates.

Key stakeholders say the scheme will incorporate a dynamic multi-modal transport hub into the cityscape, as well as creating engaging public plazas for events and versatile green areas for recreation.

Work on the eagerly awaited Salford Rise bridge has begun, looking towards completion come summer 2026. This structure is destined to span Frederick Road with a one-metre width and extend 220 metres, heralded as a "safe haven" for pedestrians and cyclists threading through the city.

The blueprint sets out to dissolve existing physical disconnects around Salford Crescent, establishing a seamless link across the University of Salford’s grounds and the Central Crescents hub of innovation, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: "Salford Rise will better connect our communities to the Crescent and University campus and provide transformational change across Crescent Innovation, helping to unlock world-class innovation-led research and development opportunities that Salford residents and businesses can benefit from."

The Salford Rise project, backed by £13 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, is underway thanks to efforts by the English Cities Fund (ECF) in collaboration with Salford City Council.

Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor at Salford University, said: "This work will develop and enhance our local environment and provide vital sustainable travel options for students, colleagues, and visitors accessing our University campus and the surrounding areas."

Max King, project director ( North West ) at ECF, said: "Starting on site at Salford Rise and seeing the first spade in the ground marks a landmark staging post as we begin to bring the vision for Crescent Salford to life."

He added: "This project is a pivotal part of the wider masterplan, and particularly the innovation zone, unlocking opportunities and fostering collaboration to enable the people that live, work and study in Salford to thrive."

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