Multi-award-winning, mixed-use neighbourhood Middlewood Locks has delivered more than £260 million local economic benefit for Greater Manchester a report has confirmed. The new neighbourhood, which is midway through development has also generated more than 6,000 jobs through the delivery of 1,117 new homes set in landscaped public realm.
Middlewood Locks is a £1 billion vibrant new neighbourhood located where the two great cities of Salford and Manchester meet. It is being delivered by Scarborough Group International (SGI) with joint venture partners Metro Holdings Limited, a Singapore-listed property development and investment group, and Hualing Group, based in Urumqui, Xinjiang, in China. Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI) is the preferred contractor on the scheme.
When completed, the 25-acre multi-award-winning neighbourhood will provide a total of 2,215 new homes and 900,000 sq ft of commercial space, including offices, hotel, shops, restaurants, and gym. With landscaped areas of green public and private space, the scheme is being developed around three large basins of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal which connect to the River Irwell and is a short walk from the central business district and retail amenities of Manchester city centre.
The first phase of 571 homes was completed in September 2018. Phase two of 546 homes, completed in November 2021 and was purchased by award-winning PRS operator Get Living which selected Middlewood Locks for its first PRS venture outside of London.
Both phases are sold out and a new community of approximately 1,300 residents are now enjoying living at Middlewood Locks. Iconic brewery brand Seven Bro7hers has opened its first beer house at Middlewood Locks and along with the Co-op food store and 92 Degrees coffee shop, are thriving.
Following completion of phases one and two, the team commissioned an independent report by Real Worth to measure the socio-economic value to the region so far. The £260 million local economic benefit for Greater Manchester is calculated based on BCEGI’s community and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, added value by using local supply chains, labour and apprenticeships, and through engagement with local schools and colleges. This represents an ML3 Ratio of £1.51 for every £1 of investment to the Greater Manchester economy.
The team delivered 100 community-based activities, attended by more than 3,000 local people, and created 82 new educational and training opportunities. Volunteers from project teams and their supply chains dedicated 1,220 hours of their time to help on a range of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, including creating an ‘Easter Garden’ at St Clement’s Church in Ordsall; working with students at All Hallows Schools to provide advice and assistance on interview skill, CV writing and general employability advice, and providing training for single parents in energy saving.
The report also highlights £25,300 worth in donations, either through sponsorship, cash or materials provided, which have been given to local communities as part of the Middlewood Locks development so far. Furthermore, it outlines that 76 per cent of the social value created is associated with employment outcomes related to apprenticeships.
Simon McCabe, Chief Executive at SGI, said,
“We are delighted to see such fantastic, tangible evidence of how Middlewood Locks has impacted on the local community so far. These figures not only demonstrate our huge commitment to providing much needed new homes in the region but also the results of considerable time invested by us and our partners to impact on the local community in very positive ways.
“We are committed to this project for the long-term and, despite these uncertain economic times due to global events which are out of our control, we are forging ahead with our next phases of development. We are certainly on track to creating a highly-sustainable new neighbourhood through socio-economic contribution as well as lifestyle habits and biodiversity.”
Dongwen YU, Lead Director at BCEGI, said,
“As a construction partner we very much see ourselves as part of the community. This report shows Middlewood Locks is a project that is making a real difference to the lives of not only its residents, but the wider community too. It’s part of BCEGI’s commitment to working with clients and supply chains to create positive social outcomes by developing thriving communities and creating opportunities for local people.
“BCEGI wants to see Salford thrive as a city and we want to do our bit to support the local economy.”
SGI and BCEGI will commence construction of the third phase, ‘The Railings’ this Spring. This will offer a further 189 new homes, including three- and four-bedroom, three storey canal side townhouses to support family living.
In March SGI secured reserved matters consent for its next significant phase of 909 new homes on the remaining 10-acre plot of land that connects the existing community at Middlewood Locks and Salford through the Ordsall Chord railway arches to Manchester city centre.
Subsequent phases will also deliver 900,000 sq ft of commercial space with retail, leisure, offices, hotel, car park and public realm with planning decisions imminent.
Strategically, Middlewood Locks is a critical link in the chain for a very ambitious regeneration picture for the city of Salford. Sitting alongside the Ordsall Chord and adjacent to Salford Central station it bridges the all-important connectivity with Manchester city centre through new public walkways, cycle routes and public realm. To the West, it will eventually connect to the new £2.5 billion Salford Crescent for which the masterplan delivery priorities were recently announced by Salford City Council.
Middlewood Locks has won numerous accolades, most recently at the 2022 Insider North West Residential Property Awards, winning the much-coveted Sustainability and Social Impact Award.
