Good Growth Fund backs major ECF projects in Salford and Stockport

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has today announced the first projects to receive support from the new £1 billion Good Growth Fund. The fund aims to unlock regeneration across the city region by supporting new homes, research facilities, commercial space and public infrastructure.

Over several years, we have invested considerable time and resources to grow a strong regional pipeline in the North West. Working in partnership with local authorities, stakeholders, and communities, we have established the foundations for long-term, deliverable visions which reflect the specific needs of each place and are grounded in creating long-lasting positive impact.

The funding we have received is reflective of the ambitious and bold commitment which has been made by us and our partners to unlock sites where people can live, work and thrive because of meaningful strategic placemaking. It allows us to deliver hundreds of homes across Greater Manchester in areas where good quality, low energy and affordable housing is much needed.

Two ECF neighbourhoods have been included in the first wave of commitments, underlining the role that long-term partnerships can play in delivering good growth for local communities.

In Salford, £23.4 million is due to be committed to the next stage of Adelphi Village. The proposals include 301 homes for social and affordable rent and 42 townhouses, alongside the 336 apartments already being delivered across two buildings.

Adelphi Village forms part of Crescent Salford, the 240-acre partnership between Salford City Council, the University of Salford and ECF. Over time, the wider Crescent masterplan will deliver more than 3,000 homes, new public spaces, improved connections and modern research and education facilities.

This includes the proposed Acoustic Innovation Institute, which will bring world-leading research, testing and teaching facilities to Crescent Innovation. The wider Crescent district is a major focus of the city’s future growth, building on Salford’s strengths in education, health, innovation and culture.

Stockport will receive £41.3 million to help unlock Stockport 8, the walkable town centre neighbourhood being delivered with Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation. Phase One will provide 435 homes, including 82 affordable homes, together with a new public square beside the viaduct and landscaped routes that link the site into the wider town centre.

Stockport 8 sits at the heart of the MDC’s long-term vision for a sustainable and liveable town centre. The neighbourhood will create new spaces for local businesses, inclusive public areas and safe routes that promote walking, cycling and easy access to public transport.

The Good Growth Fund will also support other priority projects in Stockport town centre, helping the MDC continue its work to bring forward new homes, community facilities, workspace and improved transport links.

Phil Marsden, Managing Director of Muse- North West (delivery partner of ECF), said:

“At Adelphi Village, it strengthens our shared aim to deliver high-quality homes as part of Crescent Salford. In Stockport, it helps unlock the first phase of Stockport 8, a neighbourhood shaped around people, with new homes, public spaces and opportunities that support inclusive growth.”

The Good Growth Fund will continue to support projects across Greater Manchester as further assessments are made. ECF will keep working with local partners to ensure this early investment helps progress the next stages of regeneration in Salford and Stockport.