University of Salford’s ‘world-class’ acoustics centre given go-ahead
Located off Wynne Lane within the 29-acre Crescent Innovation Zone, the 14,500 sq ft facility will provide modern research and development space aimed at furthering the university’s reputation as a leader in the field.
Plans for the scheme, described by the University of Salford as “world-class”, were lodged earlier this year and have now been approved by the city council under delegated powers.
Dubbed the National Institute of Airborne Acoustic Metrology, the building will see the University of Salford’s acoustics department relocate from the Newton Building to the purpose-built facility.
Designed by Sheppard Robson, the scheme will feature flexible acoustic teaching, lab, and research facilities such as anechoic chambers for academic, commercial, and research use.
The building will be all-electric and target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.
Experts in Salford’s acoustics department work with companies from across the world on product development. Recent projects include work to manage drone noise, develop e-scooter alarm noises, and make forklift trucks safer in a work environment.
Director of the National Institute of Airborne Acoustic Metrology at the University of Salford, Claire Lomax, said: “The whole acoustics team at Salford are thrilled planning consent has been granted for this globally unique building. Every person on earth is affected by what they can or cannot hear, which is why acoustics as a science is so significant.
“To have this facility in Salford shows the University’s commitment to innovation to enrich lives – in this case through pioneering research, impacting policy and industry standards, and shaping products sold worldwide.”
The acoustics building will also sit in Crescent Innovation, which forms part of the wider £2.5bn, 240-acre Crescent Salford masterplan being delivered by the Crescent Partnership, comprising the University of Salford, Salford City Council and ECF – a joint partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.
Max Bentham, development director at ECF, said: “With plans now approved for the acoustics building, we’re looking forward to this state-of-the-art facility coming to life and bringing world-class research potential to Crescent Innovation.
“The highly sustainable building will function as a training hub for the next generation of acoustics experts, offering cutting-edge research facilities aimed at enhancing quality of life by reducing the harm caused by noise. Bringing industry and education together, it will further cement Salford as a leader in this field.”
Construction of the acoustic centre is expected to begin this summer and take around 18 months to complete. Morgan Sindall Construction, which built the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre nearby, is lined up as main contractor.
Steven Gregory, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for the North West said: “We’re very proud to be part of the that team that will deliver another world-class facility for Salford University and the wider Crescent Salford innovation zone. We can’t wait to get started in the summer.
“In our delivery of other projects on campus, we have developed a close, collaborative working relationship with the University. On this latest scheme, we will again ensure our presence brings wider benefits to the University’s students as well as the wider Salford community.”
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said the project will “reinforce our city’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and development”.
“This state-of-the-art Acoustics Building will be an incredible addition to the growing Crescent Innovation Zone, building on the completed North of England Robotics Innovation Centre and Salford Rise, which is due to complete next year.
“By investing in world-class facilities like this, the university are not only supporting our local economy, but contributing to global advancements in acoustics, that will improve lives for generations to come.”
