Students considering whether to study in Salford could soon be influenced by plans to revamp a vacant University building.
Plans have been submitted to transform the disused Faraday House building into a 3,500-square-meter flexible working space to accommodate the University’s professional service teams.
Situated next to the Irwell Place Car Park on the A6, Faraday House originally served as the headquarters for the Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers (AUEW) and later became part of the University of Salford’s campus in the 1970s.
If the Crescent Partnership’s plans are approved, developers expect work on the building to begin in the spring of 2027 and hope the transformation will be completed before the end of the year.
The development will be part of the Crescent Masterplan’s £2.5bn regeneration programme led by Salford Council, Salford University and the English Cities Fund (ECF), which is made up of three companies: Homes England, L&G and Muse.
Max Bentham, development director at ECF, said: “Reflecting our focus on sustainability and making the most of existing assets across the Crescent Salford masterplan, we’ve worked hard as a partnership to ensure that Faraday House can be retained and refurbished.
“The building’s historic use lends itself to workspace and repurposing it in this way will deliver high-quality, modern facilities, utilising the space to its full potential.”
Developers say that the refurbishment of Faraday House also marks the next step in the University’s Campus Connectivity Plan, a major redevelopment of its research, teaching and public spaces.
Designed to encourage efficiency and promote wellbeing, the proposals incorporate green spaces, bike storage and an accessible entrance, aiming to create a refreshed, inclusive and welcoming environment for staff.
Mark Wantling, Chief Infrastructure Officer at the University of Salford, said: “It’s great to see plans being submitted for Faraday House – yet another example of how, together with partners, we’re reimagining the Crescent area.
“By transforming a brownfield site, the project will create a welcoming and sustainable environment for our professional services teams, while making a positive contribution to the local area.
“Our colleagues are the driving force behind the University’s success, and this development reflects our commitment to providing an environment where they can thrive.”
Work is already underway on several other campus buildings, including the acoustics building, which is set for completion in 2027, the Thrive Health and Wellbeing Centre, due to complete in late 2026, and the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT), which has just opened and is dedicated to higher-level technical education and training.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett hailed the move to revamp Faraday House and it joins the growing list of buildings being redeveloped in the area.
He said: “It is positive news to see plans submitted for the vacant Faraday House, to bring it back to life and continue with our vision for the Crescent area.
“As a partnership, our overall aim is to regenerate this part of the city and create jobs, growth and educational opportunities that local people can benefit from.”
