2005 - invited competition - winner
kersal heights

The site of the former Kersal High School is potentially one of the best residential locations in the central Manchester and Salford area. It boasts panoramic views of both cities, has a south facing, elevated terraced topography, close proximity to the city centres, the wonderful gift of the wooded ‘cliff’ escarpment of special biological importance (SSBI), a rich history and the Irwell Valley on its door step.

The response is to design Kersal Heights as a new, pleasant, safe residential heart to Kersal. The emphasis is to provide high quality, yet affordable family housing in a quality landscape which will enhance the abundant qualities of the site, and mend the negative aspects of the site.

It is recognised that a mix of dwelling sizes, styles and configurations need to be provided to attract a good cross section of the community. Sustainability and designing against crime are high on the agenda. It is with sustainability in mind that community amenities will be included in the development not only for convenience and necessity, but for the added advantage of enlivening the site aiding self policing.

The design aims to make Kersal Heights the place that the local neighbourhood will aspire to move to and stay, and also to attract a residential influx from outside of the area to refresh the local population. Kersal Heights will also attract people wishing to trade city centre apartment living with a more healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle, and become part of an inclusive and successful community.

Kersal Heights needs to cater for a variety of tastes and lifestyles. The architecture will therefore vary from contemporary to more traditional, the emphasis being on bespoke design and utilise the environmental and topographical qualities of the site. Key landmark buildings at a scale to be seen from a distance will ‘sign post’ the site, yet will be sensitively articulated to harmonise with its smaller sized domestic neighbours.

Kersal Heights will build upon the wonderful strengths of the site and eradicate the negative aspects in order to act as a catalyst and model to exceed the regeneration aspirations of the Charlestown and Lower Kersal NDC and those of the wider Salford and Greater Manchester neighbourhood.