Clippers Quay would be tallest building approved so far for regenerated docks

Simpson Haugh Archtiects has submitted proposals for a 34-storey tower on the waterfront in Salford that would be the regeneration area’s tallest development.

Created for  Forshaw Land & Property Group, the Clippers Quay scheme would replace a low-rise 1980s office development across the water from Media City UK, Michael Wilford & Partners’ the Lowry and Daniel Libeskind’s Imperial War Museum North.

Simpson Haugh said the structure would be taller than Salford Quays’ current tallest building, the Blue Tower, and also taller than a 94m office block designed by Sheppard Robson which won consent in 2016 but is not yet under construction.

The Simpson Haugh block – earmarked for a 0.17 hectare triangular site – would deliver 216 new homes plus ground-floor commercial space and a roof terrace.

Simpson Haugh's Clipper Quay tower, seen from Salford Quays

Simpson Haugh’s Clippers Quay tower, seen from Salford Quays

Documents submitted in support of the application said the building would have a high-quality glass façade to consistently reflect the adjacent water and sky.

“Each surface will catch the light in a different manner and ensure a constantly changing appearance in response to the time of day, weather conditions and the viewers’ perspective,” a planning statement from consultant Lichfields said.

“Fritting is employed horizontally at slab edges and to sub-divide the opaque panels and to enhance the verticality of the façade.

“Natural ventilation is provided through anodised aluminium rapid vents which are inward-opening windows concealed with a flush-finished perforated metal screen to the façade.

“The perforated pattern is extracted from the detail shown on the Trafford Road Bridge.”

The Trafford Road Bridge, which is grade II listed, is approximately 200 metres from the site.

The Hamill HQ building, pictured centre, which the Simpson Haugh tower would replace

The Hamill HQ building, pictured centre, which the Simpson Haugh tower would replace