Living regeneration in Salford: Freshfields LLP

Part two of our series be shining a spotlight on people who work, live and spend time in Salford Central, New Bailey and Crescent Salford, as ECF marks 20 years of regeneration in the area.

For 20 years, ECF has worked alongside Salford City Council to bring forward regeneration across this part of the city.

What has been delivered today reflects a long-term approach, one that has enabled complex sites to move forward, aligned local ambition with delivery, and supported change over time.

The impact is not only visible in the buildings and public spaces, but in the people and businesses that now choose to be here, from global firms to local residents who have made the area part of their everyday lives.

That experience is reflected in organisations such as leading global law firm Freshfields LLP, which opened its office at One New Bailey in 2017.

Leonie Blakeley, Facilities Manager at Freshfields, was part of the team that established the firm’s office at One New Bailey.

She remembers the initial conversations about the move and how the business decided to invest in the clear ambition for Salford.

“We’ve been here for eight years now, and we’ve been part of that change. What was demonstrated as a scaled model became reality very quickly, the plans have come to life.”

The Freshfields office spans three floors with hundreds of members of staff, with the location vital for its diverse population.

Leonie added: “We have a varied demographic within the office with a vibrant atmosphere; the area is really important. It’s only 10 minutes away from everything here and everyone benefits from that.”

“The transport links are great too. We have colleagues that live locally and others that travel in from the suburbs of Greater Manchester. One New Bailey continues to be a great location for our people.”

Bethany Wellfair has lived and worked in the area for two years, living in a building less than a minute’s walk from the New Bailey estate.

“After starting to work here in 2020, I knew when I was looking to move that this would be the ideal area to live.”

“It’s a really great place to live and work, especially around the New Bailey estate which regularly has pop-up outlets, food trucks, coffee stands and more.”

Living in the area has shaped her daily routine, from walking the dog each morning, grabbing lunch or dinner from local pop-ups, or visiting established local restaurants.

Bethany added: “We’re a stone’s throw here from some lovely green spaces too, which is perfect for me as a dog owner.”

ECF’s regeneration has been a catalyst for investment in Salford, and the picture now is of a friendly, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhood that continues to grow as a place that people want to live, work and build their lives. An evolving district which is the result of a long-term approach to placemaking and regeneration.