Salford is building a massive landmark which could change how thousands of people get around the city.
The project, known as Salford Rise, was described by the council as a ‘critical early project’ for the future, and is part of a £2.5bn plan to revamp swathes of the city centre based around Salford University.
Salford Rise will create a five-acre elevated walkway standing 11 metres wide and 220 metres long for pedestrians and cyclists across Frederick Road.
What is the Salford Rise?
Initial construction started at the end of 2024 and the project is planned to finish by summer 2026.
Led by partners Salford council, Salford University, and developer ECF, bosses hope the landmark building will get more people walking or cycling.
It will also make new links between the different zones being created as part of the Salford Crescent masterplan, which aims to create thousands of homes and new spaces for research and businesses.
Road closures in Salford
As work on Salford Rise continues, the council is planning to close Frederick Road between Lissadel Street and Leslie Hough Way for six months from Saturday, July 12 while work takes place.
In an update on the progress, partners involved in the scheme said Salford Rise will be ‘transformative’ for the city’s future.
“It will remove physical barriers between the communities to the north of the Crescent area,” a spokesperson said.
“Salford Rise will also feature high-quality green spaces, trees, and planting, ideal for pop-up events, with its cycling and walking routes designed to improve accessibility.
“This infrastructure will serve as a haven for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging active travel and improving connectivity across communities.
“It will act as a key gateway between the University of Salford’s campus and the Crescent Innovation zone – a zone aimed at creating a vibrant hub that brings together academia and industry.”
The Salford Crescent masterplan
In total, up to 3,000 homes will be created as part of the Salford Crescent masterplan, along with 1m sq. ft of offices, retail and leisure, a multi-model transport hub, and new green space.
Changes are also set to come forward around Salford University’s campus, which fits into the Crescent masterplan.
The University has appointed design firm Planit to take the lead on transforming public spaces.
This is aimed at making sites more ‘people-focused’, with recent changes including traffic calming, and upgrades to lighting and path surfaces.
“We are in the middle of extensive regeneration of several buildings and areas of our campus,” said Mark Wantling, Salford University’s chief infrastructure officer.
“Creating better public spaces which enrich lives for everyone to enjoy is important to us, and we are really looking forward to seeing Planit’s ideas come to life.”
Consultations on the work are set to start within weeks.
You can find out more about Salford Rise on Salford City Council’s website by clicking here
