The regeneration of Salford Central, delivered by ECF in partnership with Salford City Council, is the winner of the Outstanding Impact award at the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Annual Awards 2024.
The awards, which were hosted in London on 6th November following the IED Annual Conference ‘Economic Transition – How do we deliver long-lasting change in our towns, cities and regions?’, recognise achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team and organisational categories.
The Outstanding Impact award, sponsored by Key Cities, recognises projects delivered and concluded in the last five years, which demonstrate benchmarked evidence against other similar initiatives. Impacts could include environmental, social, business support (from start-up to growth and scale), rural development and regeneration.
With Salford continuing to experience high market confidence, sustained GVA, productivity and innovation; the hallmarks of a high-value, mature and diverse economy that continues to perform well, the nomination for Outstanding Impact focused on the regeneration of Salford Central, delivered by ECF in partnership with Salford City Council, which is described as being “pinnacle to this growth”.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “Our absolute commitment and unwavering perseverance through our long-term partnership with ECF has resulted in an outstanding regeneration scheme for Salford and a resurgence of economic growth for the city. Completion of trailblazing projects such as sustainable new office space at Eden and sustainable, affordable homes at Greenhaus, has not only put Salford on the map once again but has brought new jobs and homes to the city, with the thriving commercial district at New Bailey accounting for 5.5% of Salford’s total employment. It is great to see Salford Central be recognised.”
Phil Marsden, Managing Director – North West, ECF, commented: “Our long-term partnership at Salford Central has been truly transformative for the city. We’ve transformed a once underutilised brownfield space into a vibrant, mixed-use community, attracting global businesses alongside unique, independent operators and becoming a key economic contributor to the city and wider region. Working together, we’ve created positive change and the 50-acre site is now unrecognisable from its days as a surface car park, delivering workspace, cafés, bars and restaurants, and over 1,000 mixed-tenure new homes.”
IED Director Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the IED Annual Awards 2024, said: “Many congratulations to the team behind the regeneration of Salford Central, delivered by ECF in partnership with Salford City Council, as the winner of our Outstanding Impact award. Our judges noted significant benefits from unlocking under-utilised and unviable sites, highlighting that this city’s revitalisation is progressing well and will continue to yield economic growth. They praised the submission for its clarity, effective metrics, and a clear timeline of key milestones, which contextualised individual projects within the broader regeneration efforts. The consistent delivery of residential and commercial developments has enhanced the local environment and engaged the community, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere in this city.”
IED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock added: “Congratulations to all our winners, those who our judging panel determined should be Highly Commended for their nomination, and indeed everyone who was shortlisted and took the time and opportunity to enter the awards this year. We had a fabulous awards evening, it was an inspirational, uplifting and joyous occasion, and thanks to all award sponsors for their support.”
The IED is the UK’s leading independent professional body for economic development and regeneration practitioners, supporting them to create stronger communities and sustainable economies.
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