Plans for the next phase of works at a £1bn ‘thriving new neighbourhood’ in Salford have been approved by the council.
Salford City Council has given the go-ahead for further residential and commercial development space at Middlewood Locks, on Lockside Lane, which already houses more than 1,200 residents.
The proposals, submitted by regeneration experts Scarborough Group International (SGI), will see a further 909 residential apartments built onsite, alongside commercial space and a canal-side public realm.
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The huge Middlewood Locks project is a joint venture between SGI, Chinese firm Hualing Group and Metro Holdings Limited, a Singapore-listed property development group.
The 25-acre "urban neighbourhood" is centred around the Manchester, Bolton and Bury canal to the east of Oldfield Road in Salford. As part of the new plans, 659 residential apartments will be built within two blocks alongside 18,000 sq ft of commercial space.
A further 250 residential apartments will be built within an L shaped building, which features 4,500 sq ft of commercial space alongside an extensive canal-side public realm for residents and visitors.
Both buildings will feature undercroft parking, electric charging points and bicycle storage. A new landscaped public square which will be used to host events is also included in the plans and will link the two plots together.
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The next phase of homes at Middlewood Locks is set to start on site next month and will feature 189 apartments and townhouses in an area called The Railings.
Paul Kelly, Development Director at SGI, said: “This is fantastic news for us and our joint venture partners as we commit to complete our 13-year commitment to curate one of the largest new urban communities in Greater Manchester.
“The journey over the last six years has not only created a thriving new neighbourhood with over 1,200 residents in occupation but also delivered considerable economic returns to the region.
“These next phases will complete the missing link, connecting Middlewood Locks with a seamless transition to the bustle of Manchester city centre, offering a tranquil new place to live and work that is both sustainable and convenient.”
Nicola Wallis, Sales & Marketing Director at SGI, added: “We are absolutely delighted that planning has been approved for a further 909 much needed new homes at Middlewood Locks.
“We have a strong and vibrant community, and we are already seeing great demand from our existing residents for the homes in the Railings as they look to take the next step in their home buying journey. Residents are very settled in our neighbourhood and it’s wonderful to see more families enjoying living in our community.
“Middlewood Locks is a walkable neighbourhood, which is close to the city centre, has a beautiful public realm, canal-side walks and great amenities which makes this a very desirable place for our customers to make their home a place to plan for the future and enjoy the present.”
When completed, Middlewood Locks promises to be a ‘vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood’ with homes and commercial space, including offices, hotel, shops, restaurants, and gym.
The development will create more than 7,000 jobs in the nearby area. Applications have already been submitted for the remaining neighbourhood space, including further contemporary new homes, a hotel and a multi-storey car park.
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