A northern city is poised for a major transformation with plans to deliver approximately 67,000 new homes over the next 20 years.
This development programme forms part of the Salford Growth and Regeneration Partnership, which combines council-led initiatives with private sector investment to accommodate a growing population and stimulate economic activity.
Key focus areas include Salford Quays, the city centre, and the Greater Manchester Western Gateway, a recently established regeneration zone west of the city centre.
This zone has already attracted landmark projects such as the opening of RHS Garden Bridgewater and developments at Port Salford and the City Stadium.
These investments aim to boost residential capacity and improve infrastructure and connectivity, enhancing Salford’s status as a vibrant urban hub.
The borough’s towns, including Swinton and Eccles, are also targeted for expansion. Eccles has seen considerable progress this year with the demolition of its shopping centre and the appointment of new developers to drive forthcoming projects.
Meanwhile, regeneration in the city centre continues, with plans approved for ten new towers at Regent Retail Park, including one of the UK’s tallest skyscrapers.
The council has acknowledged that realising the scale of new housing requires strong partnerships with private developers and additional resources for marketing and investment attraction.
A council spokesperson highlighted that the plan builds on past successes, noting over 14,500 new homes constructed in recent years.
But despite the ambitious growth targets, Salford faces challenges, including a rising number of residents at risk of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation.
The expansion is intended not only to meet housing demand but also to promote economic regeneration, community wealth building, and a more resilient local economy for Salford’s residents.
The redevelopment comes as Salford has experienced a rapid transformation over the past decade, with Charlestown, in the north of the city, named as the most gentrified area in the UK earlier this year by The Telegraph.
The transformation began with the opening of MediaCityUK in 2011, which brought major investment, new jobs, and improved infrastructure to the area.
And recent data has revealed the astounding effect it has had on the area, with Salford topping the list of UK areas with the biggest house price growth since 2015.
The study by finance broker Clifton Private Finance found that the average price of a house in the local authority in May 2025 was £225,790, compared to £112,914 in May 2015, representing a 99.97% increase.
Salford also came up in a Reddit post asking about gentrified towns in the north of England.
One user commented: ‘Salford’s been being ‘ruined’ for years. Started with the demolition and replacing people into overspill towns/estates then removing the industry and building fancy apartments on the quays.’
Another echoed: ‘I went to uni in Salford, moved there in 2009 just before the BBC moved there and honestly the speed it became gentrified and rental prices rocketed was frightening.’
And one added: ‘Salford is massively gentrified now and the culture is gone.’
As the development progresses, its long-term effects on housing, infrastructure and local communities will shape the future of Salford.
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