Obsidian, Salford
Obsidian represents the first major development to be tested against the Chapel Wharf Development Framework and an important catalyst for the regeneration of this part of central Salford. We helped unlock the site by ensuring our client achieved the delicate balance between viability metrics and delivering a truly great scheme.
Credit: Studio Power
For: Salboy and DOMIS
With: Studio Power
What is it: The first major development to get planning permission within the Chapel Wharf Development Framework, delivering 250 new apartments.
Local Planning Authority: Salford City Council
What we did: We led on the planning strategy, building on our already strong relationship with the City Council, to facilitate negotiations on behalf of Salboy and DOMIS.
In the setting of numerous heritage assets and a sensitive neighbouring use, we negotiated a recommendation for approval and secured planning permission in March 2024.
Credit: Studio Power
The challenge
Obsidian represents the first major development to be tested against the Chapel Wharf Development Framework and an important catalyst for the regeneration of this part of central Salford. With early negotiations on the proposal taking place concurrently with the final stages of the Framework preparation, the site was an important scheme to get right to set the tone for the wider delivery of the masterplan.
As well as carefully managing its flagship status, the proposed development needed to prove it could be a good neighbour to two very different nearby uses.
Firstly, heritage. The site is nestled in the setting of three heritage assets – Chesters Salford Brewery at the Deva Centre (Grade II), the Sacred Trinity Church and the Tennis and Racquet Club (both Grade II*).
Secondly, the lively !Audacious Church immediately adjacent raised the question of whether noise spill would impact future occupants.
Credit: Studio Power
The solution
We led on detailed negotiations, adjusting the building height and ultimately proposing a staggered roofline reaching 26 storeys in height. It was important to demonstrate that this high-profile proposal was adhering to the vision of the Chapel Wharf Development Framework. But we worked pragmatically with the Council and the clients’ heritage advisors, successfully challenging the framework’s parameters, using visuals to illustrate that the scale would be appropriate in its setting.
We pre-empted potential issues around noise spill from the church’s lively worship, coordinating the design team’s response to the Council. We demonstrated how window treatments would ensure that noise spill wouldn’t impinge on future residents’ quality of life.
The benefits
As the first development parcel to be unlocked within the Chapel Street Development Framework area, all eyes were on this scheme.
But we relish a challenge.
We provided a confident steer and worked positively with the local planning authority to reach a solution that side-stepped potential tensions. The scheme will provide 250 new homes, quality public realm and commercial at the ground floor. And by stepping back the built form, the scheme still achieves height while remaining sensitive to its surrounds.
Ultimately we helped to unlock the site by ensuring our client achieved the delicate balance between all-important viability metrics and delivering a truly great scheme for the site.