The city of Salford in Greater Manchester is set for one of the most significant urban transformations in the UK, with an ambitious blueprint to deliver approximately 67,000 new homes over the coming two decades.
A Partnership for Growth
This colossal development programme forms the core of the Salford Growth and Regeneration Partnership, a collaborative effort between the local council and private sector investors. The primary goal is to accommodate a rapidly growing population while stimulating long-term economic activity. The plan builds on a strong foundation of recent success, with a council spokesperson confirming that over 14,500 new homes have already been constructed in the area in recent years.
Key areas targeted for intensive development include the well-known Salford Quays, the bustling city centre, and the Greater Manchester Western Gateway. This newly established regeneration zone to the west of the city centre has already attracted landmark projects, such as the opening of the RHS Garden Bridgewater and significant developments at Port Salford and the City Stadium.
Regeneration in Action
The expansion is not limited to the city's core. Outlying towns within the borough, such as Swinton and Eccles, are also slated for substantial growth. In Eccles, considerable progress is already visible this year with the demolition of its old shopping centre and the appointment of new developers to lead forthcoming projects.
Back in the city centre, the scale of ambition is clear. Plans have been officially approved for ten new towers at Regent Retail Park, a project that will include one of the UK's tallest skyscrapers. The council acknowledges that realising this vision requires robust partnerships with private developers and additional resources for marketing and investment attraction.
The Challenge of Rapid Change
This redevelopment comes as Salford grapples with the effects of a rapid transformation over the past decade. The area of Charlestown, in the north of the city, was recently named the most gentrified area in the entire UK by The Telegraph. This dramatic shift is widely attributed to the opening of MediaCityUK in 2011, which brought major investment, new jobs, and improved infrastructure.
The impact on the property market has been astounding. A study by finance broker Clifton Private Finance revealed that Salford has seen the biggest house price growth in the UK since 2015. The data shows the average house price in May 2025 was £225,790, a staggering increase from £112,914 in May 2015 – a rise of almost 100%.
This rapid change has sparked debate among residents. On social media platforms like Reddit, users have described Salford as 'massively gentrified', with one commenting that the speed at which rental prices rocketed after the BBC's move to MediaCity was 'frightening', while another lamented that the local culture is 'gone'.
Alongside its ambitious growth targets, the city also faces significant challenges, including a rising number of residents at risk of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation. The council states that the expansion is intended not just to meet housing demand but to promote broader economic regeneration, community wealth building, and a more resilient local economy for all of Salford's residents.
As this two-decade development plan progresses, its long-term effects on housing, infrastructure, and the social fabric of local communities will ultimately define the future of this rapidly evolving city.
