Salford’s £1bn redevelopment to include new park and the tallest building in the UK outside of London

Salford is poised for a huge transformation with the proposal of a £1 billion redevelopment project on the northern half of Regent Retail Park.

This ambitious scheme, spearheaded by Henley Investments, includes plans for a 71-storey skyscraper, which would become the tallest building in the UK outside of London, along with up to 3,300 new flats, commercial spaces, and a public park.

Regent Retail Park

The site, currently home to major retail outlets like TK Maxx, Home Bargains, and Boots, will undergo a radical change if the proposal is approved.

The redevelopment plan envisions a high-density residential community featuring one, two, and three bedroom properties spread across 10 buildings.

Salford Mayor Paul Dennett has previously voiced concerns regarding the potential loss of retail space. However, Henley Investments has emphasised the project’s significant contribution to local infrastructure.

Despite not including affordable housing, the development aims to positively impact both Salford and Manchester city centre.

A community focus?

Designed by Matt Brook Architects and LDA Design, the project is anchored by a 3.5-acre public park. Matt Brook, the director of Matt Brook Architects, highlighted the park’s role as the centrepiece of the scheme, providing essential green space and fostering a community that prioritises liveability and wellbeing.

“Our masterplan creates a safe, walkable, and inclusive neighbourhood where nature and architecture work together harmoniously,” said Brook.

“The proposed buildings respond to their context, providing a strong sense of local identity with warm colour tones and textures that offer a residential character on a human scale.”

You can find out more about Matt Brook Architects here

Balancing modernity with local needs

Henley Investments acquired the site from M&G for £16 million in October 2020.

Since then, the developer has engaged in extensive public consultations to address concerns about overdevelopment and infrastructure strain.

Despite some local opposition, Henley has remained confident that the site’s central location and connectivity make it ideal for such a high-density project.

Development manager Hattie Charlier-Poole acknowledged the challenges in addressing public misconceptions about the scheme. However, she stressed Henley’s commitment to considering local needs, particularly regarding the provision of retail space.

“We thought quite carefully about what types of retailers require what types of space,” Charlier-Poole explained.

“This included considering the access and servicing needs of certain retailers and ensuring that the units could accommodate both artisan coffee shops and essential services like pharmacies.”