Laing O’Rourke has been chosen by developer One Heritage to deliver a 55-storey residential tower at Greengate in Salford
The residential tower, called One Heritage Tower, will comprise 545 apartments, secured underground car parking, a residents’ library and gym, as well as ground floor commercial space and extensive public realm, to include a new riverside walkway.
The project design team has also been instructed to progress to RIBA Stage 4 design.
A pre-construction agreement has been signed whilst the two companies negotiate details.
‘Flagship scheme’ for the north west
Director of One Heritage, Jason Upton, said: “We have undergone a rigorous assessment process to reach this stage and it’s a credit to the development and project management teams for getting us to this key milestone.
“This is a flagship scheme for the north west and it’s fitting that we’re working with a globally-recognised contractor.
“Laing O’Rourke have responded energetically to the challenge and demonstrated their appetite for working alongside us. I look forward to continuing the fantastic momentum on this project.”
Consultant project director, Awais Shahid from Atzaro Real, commented: “In spite of the problems posed by Covid-19 we’ve remained on target, with no slippage to our programme.
“The project team has worked collaboratively under trying circumstances and we’re pleased to have been able to keep valued members of the professional community in work.
“Once construction begins there’ll be a further substantial boost to the local economy.”
Shahid has revealed that, subject to contract, much of the residential tower’s components would be pre-fabricated offsite by Laing O’Rourke in sterile factory conditions, making new social distancing guidelines easier to fulfil.
“We’ll also be able to minimise the number of bodies on site as a result, which will make our site work safer,” he added.
Maximise digital engineering & offsite
Ceire O’Rourke, director of UK clients and markets at Laing O’Rourke, added: “We are delighted to have secured preferred bidder status for One Heritage Tower, a landmark building that will provide quality homes in Salford and wider benefits for the local community.
“We are looking forward to working with the forward-thinking team at One Heritage, who recognise the advantages of our approach based on early engagement between client and contractor.
“The project will maximise the use of digital engineering and offsite manufacture using a kit of parts from our factory in the East Midlands. There is much work ahead, but we’re excited to have the opportunity to deliver this stunning project.”
The principal consultants on the project are OMI Architects, Box Clever Consulting (project management), Crookes Walker Consulting (building services), DP Squared (structural engineering), BB7 (fire engineering), Gardiner & Theobold (quantity surveying) and GIA (wind and rights to light).
Work is expected to start on site in Q3 of this year, with the residential tower targeted for completion in 2024.
