The new wellbeing rooftop garden at the University of Salford’s Thrive Health and Wellbeing centre will open to the Salford community in January 2027.
The open-air sanctuary will be located on top of the flagship building, which is currently under construction.
The wellbeing centre, ‘Thrive’, will accommodate the health and wellbeing clinic which is already open to the public. Members of the Salford community can expect to get involved with wellness sessions.
Architects AHR, consulted members of the Salford community to deliver one of the first buildings in the UK to use ‘trauma informed’ design throughout.
Anna Russel, the director of the projects founding partner, Bupa, said: “The space will provide a unique opportunity to explore the benefits of green prescribing and other preventative, nature-based interventions that support healthier lives.
“Through partnerships like this, we are helping to create healthier cities and communities, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact the project will have for local people”, she added.
By the local community using the roof garden as a ‘living lab’, a postholder will develop research relating to community health and green/social prescribing (lifestyle activities offered to patients instead of medication).
Vicky Halliwell, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Health, Community and Life Sciences at the University of Salford, is hoping to continue delivering world leading research.
“Now our Thrive Centre gives us the perfect backdrop for exploring the world of social prescribing. Our mission is to innovate to enrich lives, and the work we will be doing in Thrive will help us deliver on that promise”, she added.
The rooftop garden, ‘Thrive’, will open to the Salford community in January 2027, where visitors will be able to explore over 5500 square metres of floorspace.
