Public Realm Project
The University of Salford is committed to improving its public spaces to make them more attractive for everyone to enjoy. Its ‘Public Realm Project’ or review of its outdoor spaces in between buildings – is a key component of its Campus Connectivity Plan (CCP).
The Public Realm Project is being led by Mike Hardman, Professor of Urban Sustainability at the University along with a team of academics, professional services colleagues and external stakeholders. He is particularly focused on ensuring the work and consultation that is carried out is fully inclusive, which means multiple teams are involved.
One of its first big decisions was to appoint urban design agency Planit to hold consultations with students, colleagues and the community to find out what people would like to see in terms of the spaces available on campus.
“Our shared vision is to create a people-focused environment which will enhance wellbeing, support biodiversity, and bring our community together through vibrant and accessible outdoor spaces. We have already conducted several high-impact improvements across campus, including traffic calming measures, biodiversity improvements and upgrades in lighting and path surfaces. I am very much looking forward to working with Planit to see their plans become reality in the longer term.”
The University of Salford’s public realm scheme sits within the wider Crescent Salford Masterplan in which the University is a partner along with Salford City Council and ECF. This public/private sector partnership will see the biggest regeneration of this area of the city ever undertaken.
Planit are already involved in the Crescent Salford Masterplan, having co-produced the original Crescent Development Framework for ECF. They are currently on site delivering one of Crescent Salford’s most iconic projects - the five-acre elevated walkway Salford Rise. Their involvement in this part of the city’s regeneration will ensure cohesion and continuity between the different public areas of the Crescent Salford plan.
They have previously worked on the University’s NERIC building as well as The University of Salford’s Acoustics building which is now being built and will house the academic teams in Salford carrying out global research into acoustics testing.
Planit will work closely with a wider team help to deliver the project, and the University will announce further details on their findings in due course.
Timescales
Engagement from colleagues and students sharing their views has been very positive and changes are already visible around campus.
Your questions and feedback
You can get in touch with the project team by emailing Estates-CCP@salford.ac.uk with the reference ‘Public Realm Project’ in the subject line.