New service being launched to champion high quality sustainable design

The council is looking to appoint 20 to 30 built environment professionals with design expertise to join the forum.

The role of the forum will be to challenge developers to achieve the best possible design outcomes for the city, and the design review will typically take place before planning applications are submitted to the council. Design review panels are already well established across London and the south east. 

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Salford is at the forefront in pioneering the establishment of its own independent design review forum within the north west, and I’m genuinely excited to see the change that this will bring about as part of a collaborative approach to working with the development community to achieve the best possible design outcomes for the city and its people.

“Integral to this will be delivering development that achieves net zero carbon and helps to address the climate emergency, and development that is accessible and inclusive.

“Salford has seen transformational development across the city over recent decades. Across MediaCity and Salford Quays, Greengate, Chapel Street and The Crescent, we have championed high quality placemaking and worked proactively with development partners to realise this, achieving best practice examples that are featured in the National Design Guide.

“Our vision for the future is bold, continuing the large scale regeneration but also supporting good growth and a good home for all, and building a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive Salford.

“We need to be creating places that truly enhance the quality of life of our residents, places that afford exceptional working environments for businesses and their employees, and places that celebrate our culture and grow the city’s visitor economy.”