From Forgotten Spaces to Fresh Starts - Redeveloping Norton Street Arches

Ten derelict arches in a forgotten corner of Greater Manchester have been transformed into new commercial spaces, ready to lease in what’s set to be a vibrant destination for food, drink, leisure and retail: Norton Street, Salford.

It’s part of our ongoing investment in redeveloping arches across England and Wales, reflecting our commitment to supporting and enabling businesses in new regeneration areas.

A leasing development contributing to the landscape

Salford is experiencing a period of intensive development activity and growth. Salford City Council’s ambitious Greengate Development has a regeneration strategy that aims to ensure all new development there achieves the highest standards of quality and design, with ongoing works including new residential blocks, 101 Embankment (for commercial and retail), and other high density schemes to be delivered across the next five years.

We saw an invaluable opportunity to contribute to Salford’s new landscape by investing £3.5m into completely revamping ten neglected railway arches on Norton Street into a “street” of commercial units.

With Salford City Council predicting that the whole area is to become a “distinctive place to live, work and visit, proud to be more Brooklyn than Manhattan, where people and businesses, from near and far, can find the space they need to thrive, prosper, create and connect”, the potential for any business looking to lease a space on Norton Street is huge.

Innovation and integrity

The project was donein collaboration with the council,Network Rail and Triton (the contracted construction partners), Stephen George+Partners (architects), and Pick Everard and Gardiner & Theobald (construction and property consultancies). 

We undertook a scope of works that included demolition work and clearing the site before installing new floor slabs, new 200amp power supplies, water supplies, drainageconnections and a resurfaced pavement outside the units. The transformation was specifically designed to create suitable commercial property spaces that could support a wide range of business types and help them unlock their potential.

Sustainable spaces make smarter choices

Manchester has an incredible industrial heritage and Greengate is the medieval heart of Salford: the Norton Street spaces available to lease celebrate this past yet are also future-facing.

After all, the most sustainable type of development is one that already exists: Norton Street is a prime example of reusing and refurbishing existing spaces rather than just building new ones. Each arch is fully lined and the shop fronts glazed with acoustic glass specially designed to dampen and dissipate noise for neighbourly consideration. Planters lining the perimeters add welcome biodiversity.

A go-to area where businesses can thrive

The project began on site in August 2024; it took just seven months to create the ten versatile spaces that are now completely fit for purpose and ready to lease. The rejuvenated arches have already attracted the likes of ASDA for one unit, alongside a mix of independent businesses such as family-run Mama’s Soul Food.

The location couldn’t be more convenient for both customers and staff: Norton Street units are less than 5-minutes’ walk from Deansgate, in Manchester city centre, and well served by public transport with Manchester Victoria and Salford Central train stations within easy walking distance. Manchester Arena is also conveniently nearby.

Creating positive change

Breathing new life into Victorian-built structures, such as the ten Norton Street arches, not only means empty and derelict spaces can be put to good use but also creates jobs and positive change for local communities. To date, we have invested £100m into our portfolio of arches, with a further planned injection of £100m by 2030.

By transforming previously overlooked spaces, we can continue to deliver opportunities that help fuel success for any business looking to lease a simple, great value space.

For details of spaces available for your business at Norton Street, or in and around Greater Manchester, just get in touch.