University of Salford and Morgan Sindall to work on new Acoustics building

A planning application for a brand new state of the art Acoustics Building - which would bring world-class research facilities to Crescent Salford’s innovation zone - has been formally submitted by the University of Salford.

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to complete the project, which aims to build on the University’s world-wide reputation in acoustics and sound engineering

The 1,300m² Acoustics Building aims to provide a new dedicated facility to house the teaching, research and commercial activities of the University of Salford Acoustics Department and will replace the existing facility located within the Newton Building in the Peel Park Campus. It will go in the Innovation Quarter along Frederick Road, helping to continue the exciting redevelopment of the area.

The project represents the second staging post in the creation of Crescent Innovation following work commencing on Salford Rise in September.

Proposed by the Crescent partnership, comprising the University of Salford, Salford City Council and ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse– Crescent Innovation will build on existing research and development capabilities to drive further economic growth in Salford and facilitate enhanced links between academia, research and business.

The appointment of Morgan Sindall – via the North West Construction Hub (NWCH), High Value Construction Framework Lot 1 – represents the latest stage in a long collaborative relationship between the contractor and the university, which has seen the creation of multiple landmark new learning environments on campus.

Salford’s world-class acoustic facilities are designed to meet the highest technical specifications and the requirements of measurement standards. Each space is supported by one of the largest acoustics research groups in the world and the hands-on expertise of specialist technical staff.

The new, all electric building will include photovoltaic panels as part of its highly efficient building services design. The new state-of-the-art isolated acoustic testing chambers in the building have been designed to be accessible with level thresholds achieved by recessing chambers into the floor slab. The creation of a new entrance, giving an improved sense of arrival for students and industry, will also enhance the overall experience for all who use the new Acoustics building.

In line with the latest sustainability standards, the all-electric building will target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and utilise low-energy and low-carbon technologies to minimise energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Within the 29-acre Crescent Innovation area, which lies north of the university’s Peel Park campus, the building will be located on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street.

If planning permission is granted, work is anticipated to start on-site in summer 2025 and complete in spring 2027.

Throughout the course of its build programme, Morgan Sindall will further enhance its strong collaborative relationship with the university and its students. Since 2018 the partnership has been driven by a programme focused on improving the employability credentials of undergraduates.

This approach combines the latest academic understanding of industry trends and developments with real-world experience and learning. This will once again be delivered through regular site visits, workshops and providing expert advice on project proposals for design, planning, costing and development to multi-disciplinary student teams.

Morgan Sindall will also demonstrate to students how it is deploying its Intelligent Solutions approach to deliver environmental and economic savings that enhance the overall delivery of its latest project on campus.

Morgan Sindall’s previous work for the university includes the Science, Engineering and Environment Building (SEE Building) and the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC).

Steven Greogry, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for the North West said:

Over recent years it has been our privilege to deliver several world-class new facilities for the staff and students at this brilliant university, and we are thrilled to be renewing our relationship on this brilliant new project.

Through its investment in its campus, the University has demonstrated that it is focussed on using the technologies of tomorrow to help improve the world around us – an ethos fully shared by Morgan Sindall. We’re very proud to support them on their journey.”

Director of Acoustics at the University of Salford, Professor Trevor Cox said:

Sound is integral to life, and so the work we'll do in this building will impact the public. To take one example, we might be working with industry and government to reduce the harms to health that noise creates. The new laboratories will help us to forge a better sounding future.”

Max Bentham, Development Director at ECF, said:

The regeneration of this currently underutilised area will help to enhance Salford's global reputation for industry and innovation. Not only will students and employees at the University of Salford benefit from this state-of-the-art facility, but so too will the surrounding community and wider region as the area attracts businesses and investment. The facilities within Crescent Innovation will be world-leading places to innovate and collaborate, bringing education and industry together to help shape the future of Salford.”

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said:

I am delighted to see that the planning application for the new University of Salford Acoustics Building, which will sit at the heart of the Crescent Innovation zone, has now been submitted. This is a fantastic step forward for the University’s world-leading research and a testament to our shared ambitions for a more sustainable future, as this development will set a benchmark for environmental performance.

It is great to see such positive development momentum across Crescent Innovation, following the completion of the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre and work which is now on the ground to deliver Salford Rise, a new green elevated walkway to enhance connectivity between Crescent Innovation and surrounding communities. These developments are key to driving innovation, boosting our local economy, and shaping a greener, more prosperous Salford.”

In the North West, Morgan Sindall is also currently on site at the University of Central Lancashire, where it is building a state-of-the-art new Veterinary School. In recent years, it has also completed award-winning and flagship projects at Liverpool John Moores University and Manchester Metropolitan University. In 2025, it will also commence work on the significant Multiversity project in Blackpool.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Tom Carlin at Influential, at [email protected]