Eric Wright picked for Salford Rise

A contractor for the five-acre podium has been selected as project partners battle to overcome challenges around the viability of the infrastructure scheme.

Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been selected by developer ECF as the preferred contractor for Salford Rise. The project comprises an 11-metre-wide, 90-metre-long podium that will be constructed over Frederick Road and aims to unlock development potential within the 250-acre Salford Crescent masterplan.

The project has been impacted by “continued national inflationary pressures in the construction and logistics market”, according to a report to the council’s property and regeneration committee. The report adds that a cost overrun has been identified.

In order to mitigate against the cost rises, Salford Rise has already been redesigned. The key change saw a switch from a steel structure for the bridge element to a concrete structure.

Despite cost pressures, Eric Wright, ECF, and Salford City Council are close to signing a fixed price contract that will pave the way for a start on site “as quickly as possible”, according to the report.

Time is of the essence when it comes to getting the diggers on site; the project has been awarded £13.17m for the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund, money that has to be spent by March 2025.

The project partners are in talks with the Department for Homes and Local Communities – previously the Department for Levelling Up, Homes, and Communities – to see if there is any wiggle room on the funding deadline.

“[The department] confirmed that they will take a pragmatic view on practical completion being achieved after March 2025, on the basis that construction contracts are in place and the main elements of the project have been completed,” the report states.

Designed by Make Architects, Salford Rise is seen as a key piece of the £250m Salford Crescent masterplan, linking two areas separated by Frederick Road.

The five-acre concrete podium is aimed at removing a “significant barrier to movement” within the 250-acre masterplan area and turning the area into a 15-minute neighbourhood.

Being delivered by ECF on behalf of Salford City Council and the University of Salford, the masterplan also maps out the development of more than 3,000 homes, 1m sq ft of space to innovate and collaborate, alongside 1m sq ft of offices, retail & leisure, a new multi-modal transport hub and green space.

ECF and Eric Wright declined to comment. Salford City Council was contacted for comment.