English Cities Fund files plans for 90 Passivhaus homes in Salford

The English Cities Fund has filed proposals to deliver 90 homes on the site of the former Regent Trading Estate in Salford. The neighbourhood, to be known as Oldfield Basin, has been designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, and would stand next to Islington Mill, one of Greater Manchester’s most important bases for artists and creative businesses. The scheme would feature 63 one- and two-bedroom flats and 27 town houses designed to Passivhaus standards. Two commercial facilities from the five warehouses on the existing site will be retained for continued use by cultural enterprises, while the existing building which sits over the former canal basin will be demolished. The English Cities Fund – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse – has secured the development site from Salford City Council. On completion, the homes will be acquired and managed by Dérive RP, a housing provider created by Salford City Council to deliver affordable and social housing across the city. Natalie Kennedy, senior project manager at Muse, said: “We believe this partnership, subject to planning, will help meet people’s housing needs by establishing a new and sustainable neighbourhood, while also delivering social value for the city.” Robin Lawler, board chair of Dérive RP, said: “The Dérive board and executive team are focused on working with local people to ensure we provide homes where people want to live and that are located within safe and thriving communities.” The outcome of the Oldfield Basin application is expected in early October this year. The move builds on the English Cities Fund’s previous projects in Salford, including Greenhaus, a 96 affordable homes scheme built to Passivhaus standards on nearby Chapel Street, and Willohaus, a 100-Passivhaus home development off Peru Street.  DPP is advising on planning matters. Check out planning decisions in Salford >> Image © English Cities Fund