The University of Salford and Salford City Council have selected 5plus Architects as master planners to create a development framework for the university’s estate and a future vision for the wider area.

Manchester and London based-5plus Architects were selected after a competition that saw bids of 17 national and international groups.

The massive brief is to review the university’s entire estate at Peel Park and the adjacent city area to create one city district covering 244 acres that enhances and connects with surrounding communities and economies.

The university estate extends north and south of The Crescent and takes in the listed elements of the Museum and Art Gallery to Salford Crescent Station and includes vast green spaces at the Meadows, Peel Park and the David Lewis Sports Ground.

Director of 5plus Tony Skipper said: “The joint leadership approach from the university and the city demonstrates a shared ambition around local innovation, good design and place making for this hugely significant part of Salford.

“The opportunities presented by the masterplan are vast.

“It will be about more than just creating a new signature for the university.

“It will be about understanding how local people, culture, heritage, industry, sport and leisure contribute to place and how the framework will allow Salford to look forward with absolute confidence.”

Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of Salford Jason Challender said: “The plan is ambitious and will transform both the campus and the surrounding area.”

Salford University’s seven schools employ 2,500 people and draw more than 20,000 national and international students.

Mayor of Salford City Paul Dennett said: “Development and investment is set to continue at a pace.

“This historic part of Salford with Peel Park, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Islington Mill and the Crescent also represents a dynamic, young and creative part of the city which we want to nurture and see evolve further as part of Salford’s great cultural identity.”