The third-tallest skyscraper in the UK could be built in Salford, new documents have revealed. If approved, the landmark would only be smaller than The Shard and 22 Bishopsgate in London.
Henley Investment Management is behind the proposed development which would stand at 264 metres on land at Regent Retail Park. Outline proposals for the scheme were revealed in March but this is the first time it's been confirmed how high its tallest building will rise.
The plans have been revealed in an EIA scoping opinion request submitted to Salford City Council. A planning application is expected to submitted by autumn this year and if approved construction could start in 2026, with the first residents moving in two years later.
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The eight-acre retail park was acquired by the private equity firm for £16m in 2020 and is home to Home Bargains, Pets at Home and TK Maxx stores. If planning permission is approved the stores will remain open until 2026, when the current lease expires.
Sainsbury's supermarket, which occupies much of the site off Regent Road, is not affected. The wider scheme could include ten buildings with up to 3,200 residences, over 100,000 sq ft of space for retail or food and beverage as well as around 600 car parking spaces.
Speaking at the time, Matt Brook, founding director of Matt Brook Architects, which is leading on the design, said: "At the heart of our placemaking-led, people-first vision for Regent Park is a new urban park, which will provide much-needed green space for Salford residents.
"Our masterplan creates a safe, walkable and inclusive neighbourhood where nature and architecture work together harmoniously, fostering a community that prioritises liveability and wellbeing."
As part of the development a new 'urban park' could also be built. Split into four zones, it would include a public square, an area dubbed 'Oldfield Yard', which would include art and lighting 'inspired by the site's railway and industrial heritage' and Ordsall Steps 'a colourful gateway to and from Manchester city centre with water fountains, street gardens and outdoor seating'.
Henley Investments said in March that it plans to demolish the 'outdated' retail park as 'both the local area and shopping habits... are very different' to when it was built 30 years ago. It added: "Since then, consumer shopping patterns have changed significantly with the rise of online shopping.
"Physical shops are changing and many retailers require less space. Our town centres are also changing, with more emphasis on dining, leisure and experiences. As a result, regeneration is needed to ensure that the site continues to meet the needs of the local community over the long-term."
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