Buttress Architects | Lower Broughton

Buttress was commissioned to develop a masterplan for the 195 acre Lower Broughton site in Salford, one of only a few Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder projects nationwide. This project, done with Countryside Properties and Salford City Council, was part of the emerging Salford Vision, which was gathering momentum in 2008.
The site was redeveloped following slum clearance of low density social housing that had exhibited all the problems of social, economic, and environmental under-investment. The masterplan took the benefits of the established community and created a new ribbon of urban mixed development linked to the 3-mile river frontage, with its rich existing natural landscape. Complex, technical constraints arising from the flood zone were used creatively to form urban parkland surrounded by high value mixed use development.
Throughout the design process the local community was consulted through regular forums to understand how well the plans were being received.

The feedback then helped shape the ongoing design development. This partnership was essential in the development of an integrated design that considered resident knowledge and expectations. Planning consent was obtained within the statutory 13-week period and works started immediately on the first phase of 1,500 new homes for new and existing residents.