Planit to lead on transformation of public spaces on campus

The project is part of the University of Salford’s Campus Connectivity Plan (CCP) which is the major redevelopment of its research, teaching and public spaces and is the most ambitious development of its estate to date. Planit will start consultations in coming weeks.

Chief Infrastructure Officer at the University of Salford Mark Wantling says: “We are in the middle of extensive regeneration of several buildings and areas of our campus. Creating better public spaces which enrich lives for everyone to enjoy is important to us, and we are really looking forward to seeing Planit’s ideas come to life.”

Planit is an urban and rural design practice, working to benefit people, places, and the world at large. Recent notable projects in Greater Manchester include landscape architecture and design for Ancoats Green which opened recently, as well as MMU’s All Saints Park and public realm. The open areas outside Factory International, Aviva Studios were also designed by Planit.

Georgina Baines, Landscape Architecture Director at Planit comments:  “We are thrilled to have been appointed by University of Salford to lead the Public Realm Strategy for the campus. The University’s ambition to become a global leader on climate action, nature recovery and social equality aligns seamlessly with Planit’s regenerative design mission.

“Our mission is to guide the landscape and public realm transformation holistically connecting-up the 47-acre space to deliver widespread benefits to students, the community and the planet. Enabling nature to thrive in the urban environment, maximising Biodiversity Net Gain and bonding people to nature and healthy lifestyles will underpin the new design.”

Planit’s appointment forms part of the University’s Public Realm review which has brought together academics, professional service staff and external colleagues. Mike Hardman, Professor of Urban Sustainability at the University has been leading the group.

“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.

“These are all geared to enhancing the student experience, particularly in time for Welcome Week. 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 soon to be built University of Salford Acoustics building, which sits in a new Innovation Zone 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 later in the year.