Watch video as University of Salford’s Thrive Health & Wellbeing Centre takes shape

Timelapse video: https://youtu.be/Be90GLDiJw4

The University of Salford has shared a timelapse video of its new Thrive Health and Wellbeing Centre – the eye-catching red building taking shape on the A6 near Salford Crescent station.

The building is one of the flagships developments in the University’s Campus Connectivity Plan and will open for teaching early next year. It is part of the University’s School of Health and Society – with responsibility for over 10,000 students. The £54m new build has been designed by AHR Architects, with Kier as the lead contractor.

The University is one of the biggest providers of healthcare, wellness and sports degrees in the North of England, and the centre will be the base for courses including Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics & Orthotics, Podiatry and Sport Rehabilitation.

It will also be a health and wellbeing hub right at the heart of the community in Salford with health clinics and wellness sessions planned.

Vicky Halliwell is Pro Vice Chancellor Dean of the School of Health and Society and has led the project from its outset. “Every time I walk past the Thrive site something has changed, it’s very exciting to see it coming to life,” says Vicky. “When it’s finished it will be an incredible resource for people in Salford and Greater Manchester and we are excited to open its doors early next year.”

It is one of the first projects in the UK to embed trauma-informed design throughout. It will feature an ‘internal forest’ comprising real plants as part of its biophilic design, as well as an all-electric approach. These will help create a space which is accessible and welcoming. Building design standards BREEAM Excellent and WELL Gold are being targeted.

Robert Hopkins, Lead Architect at AHR said: “Creating great architecture is about designing the right experience for as many people as possible. At Salford, we’ve brought together trauma informed, neurodiversity-led and biophilic design principles to shape a space that feels intuitive and uplifting. From daylight and texture to wayfinding and sensory balance, every design decision supports comfort, confidence and connection – helping people to truly thrive within the building.”

Sarah Morton, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “We’re making strong progress on the University of Salford’s Thrive building, with the scheme continuing to take shape both internally and externally. Drawing on Kier’s extensive experience in delivering inspiring healthcare environments, the team is bringing a collaborative and quality-led approach to every stage of the project. It’s fantastic to see this important facility moving closer to reality.”

For more information on coming to study in the Thrive building or if you are interested in working with us as a partner in Thrive please email us at [email protected]. Read all about Thrive on the University of Salford’s webpage here.