Salford City Council has approved a groundbreaking co-living tower on Gorton Street. This tower aims to introduce an innovative lifestyle model previously popularised in global cities.
In a pivotal decision, Salford City Council has given its approval for the city’s first co-living development. The 42-storey structure, located on Gorton Street, will redefine urban living in the area. This unique project by PL North Bridge aims to mirror the lively, communal vibe often associated with Brooklyn rather than the dense urban setting of Manhattan. It’s a shift towards a contemporary lifestyle that embraces shared spaces while maintaining private living quarters.
The co-living tower will feature 568 studio apartments, each ranging from 21 to 32 square metres. These studios are designed to be compact yet comfortable, offering essential amenities such as a kitchenette, bedspace, and bathroom. The development includes diverse communal facilities: a games room, sky bar, concierge service, cafe, gym, and cinema room. Notably, while the development boasts a range of shared features, none of the apartments are classified as affordable housing.
Salford’s planning chief, Councillor Mike McCusker, highlighted the project’s alignment with the masterplan for the Greengate area. He expressed that though he is not the target demographic, the co-living concept is an intriguing progression from traditional residential setups to models that foster independent living.
However, some councillors voiced concerns. Councillor Bob Clarke criticised the absence of personal laundry facilities in individual apartments, which means reliance on shared laundries. He remarked, “There’s no way people should be living in a nice shoebox. That’s not living, that’s more George Orwell 1984.”
Councillor Garrido echoed these sentiments, suggesting the current design may not effectively cater to the local housing demands. He emphasised the need for clarity in the type of accommodation provided to ensure alignment with Salford’s residential requirements.
Looking forward, developers of the Greengate scheme envision this as a catalyst for future developments, promoting urban growth and modern accommodation solutions. The success of this project could influence further co-living ventures across the UK.
The approval of the co-living tower is a sign of Salford’s commitment to innovative urban housing solutions. As this development progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the community and local housing market dynamics. The integration of shared spaces with private living must meet both practical needs and economic viability to sustain long-term success.
The co-living tower in Salford marks a transformative step in urban housing. Its success could set a precedent for future developments, blending private living with communal experiences.
