Regeneration of Soapworks, Salford

Project Overview

The scheme will revitalise the 8.5 acre former Colgate-Palmolive site, resulting in a dynamic mixed-use neighbourhood that meets the needs of local existing and future residents and users of amenities and infrastructure.  

Hybrid planning permission was secured in May 2025 to bring forward £200million investment that will see the development of 578 new dwellings including 78 affordable homes, 12,800sq.m of flexible commercial and employment space, and approximately 1.8 hectares of enhanced public space. Associated infrastructure including improved pedestrian and cycle connectivity to Salford Quays and the River Irwell corridor and approximately a 900 space multi-storey car park (MSCP). 

The Challenge

The Salford Local Plan: Development Management Policies (SLP:DMP) (January 2018) includes a requirement in Policy F2 (Social Value and Inclusion) for all major developments to submit a Social Value Strategy (SVS) at the planning application stage. Part of this requirement includes the need for a detailed Social Value Action Plan (SVAP), presenting commitments relating to a series of defined themes for all elements of the application, both full and outline, as well as for all future development phases.  

Themes include: creating an economy for all, skills and education, tackling the climate emergency, affordable housing and reducing homelessness, tackling health inequalities and providing the best possible care and tackling poverty and inequality.  

The Solution 

A thorough review of Salford City Council’s requirements, engaging directly with the Council and Applicant to discuss expectations at each stage of development, relevant mechanisms and partner organisations to provide best chance of success, and proposals for monitoring and evaluation as the project progresses. The SVAP was prepared, and following this a detailed SVS was submitted with each Reserved Matters application.  

Client Testimonial

Andrew Day, Senior Director of Bankfoot APAM commented; “Pegasus’ Economics service have given expert advice in respect of social value in relation to our hybrid application for mixed use at Soapworks in Salford Quays, being brought forward by Bankfoot APAM on behalf on GMPF.  

Salford City Council pride themselves in being at the forefront of embedding social value into built development. Bankfoot have welcomed the guidance provided by Pegasus in ensuring the commitments made in the SVAP are appropriate and proportionate yet go as far as possible in maximising the value that this scheme can generate within the borough, as well as aligning with GMPF’s overarching commitments in respect of social value across its investment portfolio”.   

Other Contributors

Diverse multi-disciplinary team working on behalf of Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) via Bankfoot APAM including planning agent AshtonHale, Chapman Taylor, Exterior Architecture Ltd, Urban Green and Lexington Communications to name only a few.