Uni of Salford’s 60,000 sq ft clinic tipped for green light

Unveiled in January, the proposed three-storey healthcare building with roof terrace marks a key part of the £2.5bn Salford Crescent Masterplan.

These proposals will go in front of Salford Council’s planning committee next Thursday, June 20, and have been recommended for approval.

The scheme has been drawn up for the University of Salford by architect AHR, with Avison Young and Kier Construction also leading delivery of the project.

Earmarked for land south of the university’s Mary Seacole building, which is currently used as a car park by the institution, the project would deliver a 60,000 sq ft learning facility for those seeking a career in community healthcare services.

One of the key aspects of the building is that it would be ‘all electric’ in terms of energy source.

All energy to be consumed on-site will come solely from the electricity grid and not directly from fossil fuels, apart from that generated by the solar PV panels, according to the plans.

This will allow for more decarbonisation of the development once operational as external electricity supply is gradually decarbonised.

The scheme forms part of a wider campus overhaul. Credit: via University of Salford

Features of the proposed development include a clinic, treatment room, gym and teaching spaces, staff and student facilities, café space, and the accessible roof terrace.

Clinical-grade spaces will enable teaching of podiatry, prosthetics, orthotics, sports rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and gait analysis.

In the long-term it is anticipated that community healthcare clinics will take place within the building as the university to seeks to develop partnerships and research opportunities.

Pedestrian and vehicle access will be from Statham Street, with 18 car parking spaces and two motorcycle parking bays featured in the plans.

BDP, Hann Tucker Associates, OOBE, Eckersley O’Callaghan, and Curtins also feature on the project team.

To view the plans, search for application reference number PA/2024/0385 on Salford City Council’s planning portal.