Construction has officially begun on Oldfield Basin, a £29 million residential development being built on the former Regent Trading Estate brownfield site in Salford, with Eric Wright Construction appointed as main contractor.
The project is being delivered for ECF, the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse, alongside Salford City Council. It marks the third Passivhaus residential scheme Eric Wright Construction has delivered for ECF, following the successful completion of Greenhaus and Willohaus.
Oldfield Basin will provide 90 new homes, comprising 63 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 27 three-bedroom townhouses. All homes will be built to the Passivhaus Low Energy Building Standard, which is designed to significantly reduce energy consumption and household bills through high-performance construction and rigorous independent certification.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett welcomed the start of construction, highlighting the importance of delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes that can help residents manage rising living costs and energy bills.
He said the development builds on the city’s wider regeneration efforts, including the preservation and repurposing of heritage assets around Islington and New Islington Mills, while supporting the area’s creative and cultural communities.
Dennett also noted that the scheme aligns with Salford’s broader sustainability goals, following other energy-efficient developments such as Greenhaus, Willohaus and the city’s affordable Derive homes programme.
“Importantly, this development will help progress Greater Manchester’s ambition to become a carbon-neutral city-region by 2038, while improving quality of life for residents and ensuring Salford remains a vibrant and inclusive place to live,” he said.
Alan McBride, Director of Project Management at ECF, described the start of work as another milestone in the partnership’s efforts to create sustainable communities across Salford.
“Alongside Greenhaus and Willohaus, Oldfield Basin demonstrates our commitment to transforming brownfield land into future-proof neighbourhoods that support a greener and cleaner Salford,” he said.
John Hartnett, Managing Director of Eric Wright Construction, said the company was pleased to be delivering its third Passivhaus residential development for ECF.
He noted that the site presents several logistical challenges, being bordered by a railway line, a major route into the city centre and the neighbouring Islington Mill Arts Club, which will remain operational throughout construction.
“Our team will continue to work closely with the client, stakeholders and the local community to ensure the project is delivered successfully while minimising disruption wherever possible,” Hartnett said.
Passivhaus homes are designed to provide comfortable living environments while dramatically reducing energy use. According to the Passivhaus standard, residents can benefit from energy savings of up to 90% compared with conventional housing.
The Oldfield Basin development is expected to be completed in spring 2028.
