Plans have been submitted for a state-of-the-art acoustics building which would bring world-class research facilities to Crescent Salford’s innovation zone.
Housing the research, commercial and teaching activities of the University of Salford’s Acoustics Department, the 1,300m2 building would represent the second staging post in the creation of Crescent Innovation following work commencing on Salford Rise in September.
Proposed by the Crescent partnership, comprising the University of Salford, Salford City Council and ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse– Crescent Innovation will build on existing research and development capabilities to drive further economic growth in Salford and facilitate enhanced links between academia, research and business.
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver the acoustics building, having previously collaborated with the university on the creation of multiple new learning environments including the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre.
Salford’s world-class acoustic facilities are designed to meet the highest technical specifications and the requirements of measurement standards. Each space will be supported by one of the largest acoustics research groups in the world and the hands-on expertise of specialist technical staff.
In line with the latest sustainability standards, the all-electric building will target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and utilise low-energy and low-carbon technologies to minimise energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of the building.
Within the 29-acre Crescent Innovation area, which lies north of the university’s Peel Park campus, the building will be located on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street.
If planning permission is granted, work is anticipated to start on-site in summer 2025 and complete in spring 2027.
Director of Acoustics at the University of Salford, professor Trevor Cox said: “Sound is integral to life, and so the work we’ll do in this building will impact the public. To take one example, we might be working with industry and government to reduce the harms to health that noise creates. The new laboratories will help us to forge a better sounding future.”
Max Bentham, development director at ECF, said: “The regeneration of this currently underutilised area will help to enhance Salford’s global reputation for industry and innovation. Not only will students and employees at the University of Salford benefit from this state-of-the-art facility, but so too will the surrounding community and wider region as the area attracts businesses and investment. The facilities within Crescent Innovation will be world-leading places to innovate and collaborate, bringing education and industry together to help shape the future of Salford.”
Salford City mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “I am delighted to see that the planning application for the new University of Salford Acoustics Building, which will sit at the heart of the Crescent Innovation zone, has now been submitted. This is a fantastic step forward for the University’s world-leading research and a testament to our shared ambitions for a more sustainable future, as this development will set a benchmark for environmental performance.”
Steven Gregory, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for the North West said: “Over recent years it has been our privilege to deliver several world-class new facilities for the staff and students at this brilliant university, and we are thrilled to be renewing our relationship on this new project.”
