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Frequently Asked Questions

The Campus Plan overall

Why is the University embarking on the Campus Plan?

In order to grow and expand its market share in an increasingly competitive sector, the University recognises that it needs to increase the quality of its offer in all aspects of university life. The student experience, including the teaching quality and learning facilities, residential and recreational facilities and the wider physical campus environment, are now very important factors for students in deciding where they wish to study. The Campus Plan will improve the University's environment for the benefit of staff, students, businesses and local people, and help make Salford a competitive choice for students looking for an excellent higher education experience.

How does the Campus Plan differ from the Estates Masterplan that was presented in 2008?

The Campus Plan is a simplified version of the original Estates Masterplan, which provided a 20-year vision for the University. The Campus Plan does not slavishly replicate the Estates Masterplan but is intended to be more flexible, so the University can quickly respond to an ever-changing and now competitive academic environment. It sets out the aims which will guide campus redevelopment, identifies broad areas for redevelopment and presents the first phase of projects to be delivered.

How much money is being spent on the Campus Plan project?

£75m will be invested in the first phase of the project, with an additional £30m to be procured by external sources for the third-party developed student residences. This is a huge statement of confidence in the future of the University and the City of Salford.

How is the University funding the project? Will the funding be subject to Government cuts?

The University will be funding the first phase of the Campus Plan from a mixture of its own finances and external borrowing and, in the case of the student residencies, a third party will be responsible for design, build and delivery. The University is committed to delivering the project, with the funding monies ring–fenced, and is not at risk to cuts in government capital funding.

What happened to plans for a new Art and Design building on the Farmer Norton site? What will happen to the Adelphi Campus and the area around Peru Street now?

The University is aiming to consolidate its facilities on or around the Peel Park Campus and Frederick Road with a base at MediaCityUK. With 1,500 students now studying at MediaCityUK, the remaining schools on the Adelphi Campus are to be relocated to Peel Park Campus. The University is committed to working with the local authority to identify suitable development opportunities for the Adelphi Campus and the surrounding areas once the academic facilities have been relocated.

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Student residences

Why are you only applying for outline planning permission for the student residences?

At this time, the University does not wish to unnecessarily constrain whichever third party provider is selected to deliver the student residences project. Once the principles of the development have been secured and the project goes out to tender, there will be scope for considering the details of the design.

Why are you using a third party provider?

The University has made a strategic decision to no longer directly manage student accommodation, and is seeking a partner to deliver this. The current accommodation needs to be upgraded to meet student demand, and the use of a third party provider allows this capital investment to be undertaken without the University having to fund the investment itself. This allows the University to focus its investment into the buildings and facilities for academic delivery.

Are you going to share the plans with local people, students and staff?

Yes - the University communicated the plans during a series of special exhibitions in March 2011. These are just one part of a comprehensive communications and engagement plan whereby local people, students and staff were encouraged to share their views on the plans. Any comments can be submitted online via our feedback page. News updates will be posted on this website.

How much land will be taken from Peel Park?

No land will be taken from Peel Park, which is owned by Salford City Council. The student residences will overlook the park, not encroach on it, and will be built on University-owned land only.

What will happen to the David Lewis Playing Fields and the Sports Centre once work begins?

The David Lewis Playing Fields, which are owned by Salford City Council, will not be affected by the student residences development. The University continues to have a long-term aspiration to relocate the Sports Centre elsewhere on campus and this is currently being considered further with local stakeholders.

How many students will be living there?

There will be 2,000 bedrooms in the student village.

Won't local residents be disturbed by noise, litter and disruption from students?

No - the University will provide 24-hour site security including keeping the surrounding area tidy, quiet and free from disturbance. With more students living on campus any nuisance previously caused by students will be reduced. This is just one benefit of managing students in one central location.

What will happen to Castle Irwell Student Village? Will it be demolished?

Eventually, it is anticipated that Castle Irwell Student Village will be disposed of and redeveloped for alternative uses. No plans have yet been made regarding the redevelopment of the site, however the University is committed to working with Salford City Council to exploit all regeneration opportunities.

What facilities for students will be available at the new student residences?

These details are dependent on the third party provider (yet to be appointed), however the University is committed to providing all the facilities necessary for an excellent student experience.

What will happen to Peel Park once the student residences are built?

The student village presents many opportunities to bring the Salford City Council-owned Peel Park back to active public life, increase security, and transform the environment into a welcoming and pleasant green space. The student residences will not encroach on Peel Park, but will improve access, positively overlook it - providing natural surveillance and breathing new life into this area of historical significance.

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Chapman Building refurbishment and extension

What will the refurbishment and extension of the Chapman Building involve?

Improvements will include additional flexible learning space on the first floor, a café breakout space on the ground floor, and upgrades to the external structure. These will ensure that Chapman Building becomes a flexible and modern academic building.

Will the exhibitions and any of the arts activities organised by the University be affected during the refurbishment and extension of Chapman Building?

The University's Arts Development Team is working on a full programme of activity, making the most of the new and improved campus facilities. For more information go to www.arts.salford.ac.uk.

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New Gateway Building

What facilities will be in the new Gateway Building?

Some of the new modern facilities will include a theatre, studio space, tuition and practice space, and social learning areas.

How will staff and students be affected by construction work while it is underway?

Exact site logistics will be confirmed when the project is due to start.

How will local people benefit from the new building? Will any facilities be available to them?

Local people will be welcomed into the building for public events in the new theatre facility. The building will also present opportunities to showcase events from other performers.

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Public spaces

What will the public spaces be used for?

The new spaces within the campus - including Chapman Square - will improve connectivity across the University, as well as provide outdoor lecture theatres, performance areas or quieter external meeting places where people can come together to share ideas.

Will everyone be able to use them, not just staff and students?

The spaces will be designed to encourage everyone to use them for a range of activities. It is important that they are places that all members of the community can enjoy using.

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Transport and parking

Will car parking be incorporated into plans for the student residences?

Yes - the student residences will include car parking spaces. The number of these spaces will be confirmed during the design of the development.

What is being done to try and reduce the number of cars coming to the University campus?

The University is encouraging a shift away from car usage by promoting other means of transport. Initiatives currently being considered include improved cycling facilities, and subsidised cycle purchase and public transport. This is part of the University's commitment to becoming as sustainable as possible.

How will these plans affect design and access to Salford Crescent train station?

None of our plans will affect Network Rail's proposals to improve Salford Crescent train station. However, we will be working with them to ensure that both developments complement each other.

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Sustainability

What are you doing to ensure that the plans are as sustainable as possible?

The University is committed to managing the construction, refurbishment and post-completion occupancy of its buildings in order to reduce the environmental impact, enhance the wellbeing of staff and student users of the building, and minimise operating costs.

All projects will be assessed under the Building Research Establishment’s BREEAM methodology to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability is maximised. A target for all new buildings and major refurbishments is to achieve an 'excellent' BREEAM rating with a minimum of ‘very good’ where there are justifiable reasons why excellent cannot be achieved. BREEAM is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings.

For the Gateway Building the target is 'excellent'. For the Chapman Building refurbishment and extension, the target is 'very good', as there is less opportunity for sustainability improvements due to reuse of the existing structure.

Will the project be using locally-sourced materials and contractors?

Yes, wherever possible.

Will you be cutting down any trees during construction?

There is a need to thin down some of the more mature and overgrown trees to provide adequate open space and opportunities for surveillance, and to help improve security. This work will be undertaken responsibly, respecting all preservation orders. Any work will be undertaken in conjunction with Salford City Council.

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