A large-scale £1 billion development backed by the previous government’s levelling up scheme has reached its halfway point after a decade of construction.
The 25-acre brownfield site ‘Middlewood Locks’ in Salford Central now houses 2,600 residents across its 1,306-property waterside development with retail and leisure facilities and accessible urban spaces.
Scarborough Group and Singaporean investment partner Metro Holdings say that the project has “injected hundreds of millions of pounds into the local economy” over the last decade.
In 2022, they received a £30 million loan from Boris Johnson’s government to continue the transformation of Middlewood locks as part of their levelling up strategy to spread prosperity across the UK.
Then, Housing Minister Stuart Andrew MP said that the development would deliver “vital new homes for the city, create jobs and boost the wider economy,” when outlining the reasons behind supporting the project with a government advance.
Ten years after work began, Terry Errington, Head of Structured Real Estate Finance at Homes England, hailed the decision by the government to fund the project.
He said: “We are delighted to celebrate this milestone moment for Middlewood Locks, a truly transformative development that has received two allocations of funding from Homes England to help shape our emerging communities.
“It is urban regeneration schemes like Middlewood Locks that will support the Levelling Up of towns and cities, creating places where people want to live and socialise.”
Developers say phase 5 of the project will commence on linking directly to Manchester city centre through the railway arches.
Planning permission for 909 homes to be built on a former Network Rail compound was agreed in 2022 and it is hoped the sprawl of Middlewood Locks towards Manchester acts as a closer proximity act as a gateway between Salford and the “city beyond.”
The next phase will also include commercial space with Grade A office accommodation, a hotel, a multi-storey car park, more retail and leisure amenities, and additional public realm that will include a public square and canalside park, Scarborough and Metro Holdings confirmed.
The tenth anniversary of Middlewood Locks coincides with Scarborough Group International’s own 50th anniversary, marking significant milestones for both the development and the company behind it.
Simon McCabe, Chief Executive at SGI, said: “The progress at Middlewood Locks over the past decade reflects the strength of long-term partnerships and a shared ambition to create sustainable communities in our major cities.
“We have successfully navigated the unprecedented economic challenges we faced, particularly the pandemic and rising building costs, demonstrating our unwavering commitment and determination to keep delivering much-needed new homes.
“Middlewood Locks is a development we are incredibly proud of, and one that demonstrates what can be achieved when public and private sector partners work together with a clear vision.”
He added: “Looking ahead, the next phase of Middlewood Locks will complete the transformation of this strategically important site, strengthening the connection between Salford and Manchester city centre and further establishing Middlewood Locks as a thriving, self-sustaining neighbourhood.”
Developers highlighted Salford’s recent evolution from its “industrial past” to “one of the United Kingdom’s fastest-growing urban economies as a key reason for the project’s expansion.
“Over the last decade, the city’s population has increased by approximately 36,000 people, representing a 15.4% rise—more than double the national growth rate of 6.6% for England and the highest in the North,” a joint statement from Scarborough Group and Metro Holdings said.
“This population surge reflects Salford’s dynamic evolution and its growing appeal as a place to live and work.
“The city is also marking a centenary since it was officially granted city status, celebrating 100 years of urban identity. A year-long programme of cultural, civic, and community events is planned to commemorate this historic milestone, with Middlewood Locks actively participating in the festivities.
“These celebrations highlight Salford’s enduring sense of community and its ongoing journey of growth and regeneration.
Stephen Young, Chief Executive, Salford City Council, said, “2026 marks a truly special occasion for Salford, offering an opportunity to celebrate the city’s rich industrial heritage and its transformation into a modern, inclusive urban city.
“Throughout the year, we will pay tribute to Salford’s past, recognise the vibrancy of its present, and look forward with optimism to an innovative and inclusive future. This promising outlook is exemplified by projects such as Middlewood Locks, which continue to drive positive change and support the city’s ongoing evolution.”
