News Plans approved for refurbishment of Faraday House at the University of Salford

Plans approved for refurbishment of Faraday House at the University of Salford

News

September 09, 2026

Forming part of the University of Salford, Faraday House refurbishment scheme has been granted planning permission. Designed by PRP, the redevelopment gives the building a new lease of life, which has remained vacant for several years and provides 3,500m2 of high-quality, flexible workspace for the University. 

The proposal was submitted by the Crescent Partnership, comprising Salford City Council, the University of Salford and ECF, a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse. Making up a key part of the £2.5bn, 240-acre Crescent Salford masterplan, the project slots in with the overall vision to redevelop this area of the city. 

Reimagining the existing structure through carefully considered façade alterations, the design balances its late 1960s modernist history with contemporary interventions such as a bespoke, powder-coated rainscreen cladding. The refurbishment creates a refreshed and fit-for-purpose landmark building, with plenty of green space, bike storage and comfortable working areas for staff to use. 

The main entrance to the building has been relocated to The Crescent, establishing a stronger street presence and improved public connectivity. A safe and accessible environment is achieved through inclusive design principles, robust acoustic separation and optimised layouts, delivering a design that is future-proof and engages with the wider University of Salford campus. 

The project retains as much of the existing brickwork envelope as possible, cutting down on demolition and embodied carbon. Meanwhile, new through-wall insulation, rainscreen cladding, acoustic detailing and optimised fenestration brings the building up to a BREEAM Excellent rating. Meeting these rigorous standards across both the existing and proposed fabric required an innovative approach to thermal, acoustic and fire compartmentation strategies. 

With plans approved, work is expected to begin on Faraday House later this year and complete in 2028. Approval also marks the next step in the University’s Campus Connectivity Plan, the major redevelopment of its research, teaching and public spaces.