Media centre

Monday 25 Jun 2007

GO AHEAD FOR SCHEME TO LINK SALFORD AND MANCHESTER

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An Historic Re-connection Between Two Great Cities A seemingly forgotten part of the city of Salford, minutes from Victoria Station, is set to become a breathtaking new urban quarter known as The Exchange, Greengate. Salford City Council has approved plans for three separate schemes to transform Greengate, the historic core of Salford, which will serve to re-connect the cities of Salford and Manchester, turning 13 hectares of vacant and derelict land into a distinctive new urban quarter. Two of the three plans were submitted by Ask Developments - one in a joint venture with Network Rail - and the approval will now enable the transformation of the former Exchange Station and adjacent land into 1.5m sq ft of mixed use development, including shops, a hotel, business and residential space as part of a wider regeneration master plan for the area that will eventually see in the region of 3.25m sq ft of new development. Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company has been given permission for the third scheme to develop key public spaces within Greengate, creating a vibrant visitor destination characterised by green spaces, attractive watersides, pedestrian-friendly walkways - including a new bridge across the River Irwell - public art and iconic architecture. The development is located within the historic Greengate triangle area, bounded by Chapel Street, Gravel Lane and Sacred Trinity Church. It sits just yards from the booming retail and leisure developments of Manchester city centre's Exchange Square. The Exchange Greengate public realm, designed by architects Fielden Clegg Bradley, will create a series of interconnected public spaces leading from the river crossing to the heart of the Greengate site and will see the creation of a new City Square, linking the heart of both cities. Exchange Greengate is a priority site within Central Salford's new vision and regeneration framework - a vision to create a Beautiful, Vibrant and Prosperous Salford over the next 20 years. Chris Farrow, Chief Executive, Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company said: "Exchange Greengate is critical to the transformation of Central Salford and the growth of the regional city centre. The site is a prime spot for investment and will become a new destination at the heart of two great cities. The scheme is ambitious and will require a strong partnership approach to ensure the Exchange Greengate becomes a beautiful, vibrant and prosperous place." John Hughes, Development Director of Ask Developments said: "This scheme will strengthen the physical links between Manchester and Salford adding an extra dimension to both cities. Ask and Network Rail have very high expectations for the performance of this development and its contribution to the City Region." Mick Martin, Network Rail's director, commercial property, said: "We are delighted to be at the forefront of such a major project, with the partnership we have formed with Ask Developments and we are fully committed to this vital regeneration scheme. Network Rail has brought forward its parcel of land for inclusion in the overall scheme, allowing the redevelopment to be on a larger scale and to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of this area of Salford." Councillor John Merry, Leader of Salford City Council said: "Greengate is an extremely significant part of our regeneration plans and is a key example of the vision we hold for the city. The proposals demonstrate the value of open space in the development of urban centres. "Salford's natural attributes - its waterways and proximity to Manchester - play an instrumental part in the changing face of the city region." Collectively, the Exchange Greengate development will provide housing for 5,000 residents and a working environment for 4,000 people. The public space at Exchange Greengate will be characterised by three distinct areas: The Urban Cove Giant water sculptures, an iconic new bridge across the Irwell and street level water space will provide a stunning visitor attraction. The flow of the River Irwell will be raised to street level, while a symbolic bridge will connect the great cities of Manchester and Salford. Within the cove, stunning water features, visible from Deansgate will draw onlookers to the water's edge. The Greengate Link An impressive pedestrian route, lined with sparkling water features, light installations and public art will run beneath and around the existing railway viaduct. The Link will provide a new urban walkway, the ideal place to take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere. The Greengate Square This green heart of the quarter will provide a place to walk, relax and contemplate. Surrounded by semi-mature trees, a central lawn and granite terraces, the Greengate Square will re-establish Salford's ancient market square with two timber monuments marking the site of the historic cross and exchange and celebrating Salford's heritage. The new Greengate Bridge will provide a dramatic new entry point to The Exchange site. Spanning from Deansgate to Greengate, the striking architectural form will create a landmark structure and crossing point linking the great cities of Manchester and Salford. The pedestrian bridge will be flanked by water sculptures forming blue animated columns on both sides. The development of the Greengate site represents the recreation of the historic centre of Salford as a twin partner to Manchester. The location of the bridge marks the historic crossing point between the two cities in the medieval period. The Exchange, Greengate development is expected to take 10 - 15 years to complete.