Urban Oases
River Irwell Urban Neighbourhood Strategic Framework Plan
Site Strategy – A Necklace of Urban Islands
A necklace of urban islands - oases of comfort, pleasure and security -is placed across the site on both sides of the River Irwell. The placement of each island exploits the potential of the riverfront while opening up new routes and connections to surrounding areas. Each island is organised around an oasis, or communal garden, that is raised above ground level to give privacy and security to its community of residents. These oases can be magical landscapes of pleasure and exotic planting – refuges from the everyday.

Ground level is a landscaped, car-free environment. The riverside walk from the city centre has an exciting and bustling new destination to hang out in. The base of each island houses parking at its core while the perimeter can be for used for retail, work units, offices or to house facilities for the residents above such as gyms, dry cleaners, food stores, internet cafes or crèches. A boardwalk rings the base of each island for strolling and window shopping.

Cars stop at Springfield Lane – all vehicular access, whether for residents, deliveries or utilities, is confined to the base of each island. From drop off points along Springfield Lane it is a short stroll to secure entry gate structures that lead up to the gardens. Access to all living units is through the gardens or by lift from the car parks. Each housing unit has a parking place.

Two new bridges cross Salford’s ‘Grand Canal’ to Mary Street. Taxis and cars can approach from Julia Street and drop residents and visitors off at the bridges. To open up the neighbourhood and to allow for future developments we suggest that Springfield Lane is extended to connect to East Philip Street and Bridgewater Street.

Housing – a Kit of Parts
Housing units start from the communal garden level. We have identified a number of possible ‘types’. View, orientation and sense of location are of prime concern. The buildings will take advantage of views of the River Irwell, of the communal gardens and of downtown Manchester. The system is flexible - different building types can be used in different combinations.