Keppie Massie are currently advising ECF in relation to the development of the Salford Crescent Masterplan

Located off Wynne Lane within the 29-acre Crescent Innovation Zone, the 14,500 sq ft facility will provide modern research and development space aimed at furthering the university’s reputation as a leader in the field.

Plans for the scheme, described by the University of Salford as “world-class”, were lodged earlier this year and have now been approved by the city council under delegated powers.

Dubbed the National Institute of Airborne Acoustic Metrology, the building will see the University of Salford’s acoustics department relocate from the Newton Building to the purpose-built facility.

Designed by Sheppard Robson, the scheme will feature flexible acoustic teaching, lab, and research facilities such as anechoic chambers for academic, commercial, and research use.

The building will be all-electric and target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.

Experts in Salford’s acoustics department work with companies from across the world on product development. Recent projects include work to manage drone noise, develop e-scooter alarm noises, and make forklift trucks safer in a work environment.

Director of the National Institute of Airborne Acoustic Metrology at the University of Salford, Claire Lomax, said: “The whole acoustics team at Salford are thrilled planning consent has been granted for this globally unique building. Every person on earth is affected by what they can or cannot hear, which is why acoustics as a science is so significant.

“To have this facility in Salford shows the University’s commitment to innovation to enrich lives – in this case through pioneering research, impacting policy and industry standards, and shaping products sold worldwide.”

The acoustics building will also sit in Crescent Innovation, which forms part of the wider £2.5bn, 240-acre Crescent Salford masterplan being delivered by the Crescent Partnership, comprising the University of Salford, Salford City Council and ECF – a joint partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.

University of Salford’s ‘world-class’ acoustics centre given go-ahead – Place North West