National design practice WCEC Architects are welcoming the go-ahead for the second phase of the £700m Middlewood Locks urban regeneration project in Salford.
The practice is working with client Scarborough Group International to transform a major gateway site into Manchester city centre with a mix of around 2,500 homes alongside offices, shops, restaurants and a hotel.
WCEC – one of largest architects’ practices based in the East Midlands and Yorkshire region and ranked in Building Magazine’s Top 50 UK Architects– see the verdict by Salford City Council’s planning committee as further endorsement of the quality of their design work.
Detailed planning consent for the first phase of 571 homes and associated commercial space was granted in December 2015.
Ian Lowson, Regional Director, at WCEC said he was “delighted” that planning for the second phase has been secured.
“Our team has worked tirelessly to maintain the high standard of design they achieved on phase one, which is currently being realised on site,” he said. “We are immensely proud as a practice to be part of Middlewood’s continuing story.”
Middlewood Locks is a joint venture – called FairBriar International. – between Scarborough, Hualing Group, and Metro Holdings, a Singapore-listed property development and investment group. Construction is by Beijing Construction and Engineering Group.
Enabling work on the first phase started in April with a view to the first residents moving in from late 2018.
Now attention switches to the next part of the programme based around WCEC’s design of four separate buildings up to 10 storeys that will create 546 apartments.
WCEC, based in Sheepbridge, Chesterfield has marked 40 successful years in designing innovative and sustainable building solutions.
With growth and diversification over the last few years, it is confident it is well-placed to respond to any changing market conditions.
Current and recently completed projects include major residential developments at Royal Wharf in London and Old Oak in Ealing, the Bond Street retail and leisure development in Chelmsford, multiple retail accounts and a growing student accommodation portfolio.