Greengate, Salford

Silverlane Developments

This proposal for a mixed-use development comprises 300 no. residential apartments, 473.5 m² of commercial floor space in two units of use categories Al, A2, A3 and B1), one level of semi-basement car parking providing 31 no. and a private landscaped courtyard with separate river frontage.

The plan layout of the development emerged from an examination of the site in the context of the adjacent, presently undeveloped neighbouring sites.

A series of masterplan studies examined a range of potential development scenarios that suggested how the sites might be developed sequentially or independently.

Initial studies on frontages, plan form, massing and appearance corroborated an approach that was adopted in the 2006 Application and that was subsequently incorporated into local Planning guidance and the Greengate Regeneration Strategy.

The adopted strategy is a podium surmounted by two slender slab forms; one addressing Greengate and one addressing the River Irwell. The podium roof creates a subsidiary Square for the enjoyment of the occupiers. The resulting layout and urban grain is more attuned to the historic pattern of Greengate’s adjacent streets and reinforces the importance of Greengate and the River Irwell.

The podium and Greengate tower address Greengate “square on”, whereas at the riverside, the podium and tower are canted to respond to the change in direction of the river. This provides a more dynamic relationship between the two blocks and creates more open aspect to the river corridor to the north.

The base is expressed as a colonnade all around and provides a sturdy platform from which the towers rise. The main body of the towers, expressed as a repeat grid, communicates an honest expression of the plan form behind.

As the facades rise in height, the structural grid is increasingly evident. At the uppermost levels, the brick is replaced by glazed screens that emerge from the masonry frame below. A clear order against the street is evident and legible. It’s understandable and uncomplicated. It isn’t derived from superficial decoration.