The English Cities Fund and the University of Salford has submitted plans for the first phase of the Crescent Innovation North to Salford City Council, bringing forward the £2.5bn regeneration scheme.

The first phase of the Crescent Innovation North project spans 29 acres and will see the development of 933 new homes, 1.4m sq ft of commercial floorspace, 71,000 sq ft of learning facilities, a ‘movement hub’ and 25,000 sq ft of space allocated for retail and dining establishments and a gym.

Current design plans for phase one include the introduction of multiple green space facilities including green park areas and rooftop greenery.

The Crescent Innovation North is a joint venture between Muse, Legal & General, and Home England, the projects scope is expected to cover 240 acres, including 2.4m sq ft of research and industry space and over 2,650 homes.

Salford city mayor, Paul Dennett says: “With our Crescent partners – the English Cities Fund and University of Salford – we are pushing ahead with our vision to create world-class research and development facilities that local people and businesses can benefit from.

“The Crescent Innovation North proposals are a key element of the wider vision for the Crescent area and will change the face of the area through the creation of a high-quality innovation environment, where people can achieve their full potential.”

The project aims to ‘attract new partners’ to the nearby University and create a nationally recognised ‘competitive innovation district’.

If planning is approved, the project is scheduled to break ground by the end of the year, with a projected timeline of 10 years.