The UK's 'best building' to be demolished after being abandoned for 8 years

An award-winning building built just 30 years ago in Salford is set to be demolished after standing empty for eight years. More details about what could replace the Centenary Building have been revealed.

The site has been earmarked for demolition as part of a £2.5bn regeneration project led by developer ECF, Salford council, and SalfordUniversity, who own the building. The Centenary Building won the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize in 1996, cementing its status as 'the UK's best new building' at the time. But the site has been empty for years, and at the end of 2024, permission was granted to knock it down along with the old Adelphi Building at Peru Street as part of the city's ongoing transformation. Demolitionwork has not started yet, but is expected to begin soon, with planning documents saying it could take place this summer. ECF has shared an update on what the future of the land could look like once the structures are gone.

It is preparing to submit an application this summer for a residential development with up to 263 apartments at the site, in a scheme which includes parking, access, and landscaping as part of the work.

If approved, it is expected that the main construction works could begin by summer 2026 and last around two years, according to initial planning reports.

A spokesperson for ECF and the Salford Crescent development partners said the proposed homes are still at the pre-application stage, and that more information will be shared once the plans have been formally lodged.

The wider masterplan for the Salford Crescent area aims to build around 3,000 homes as well as spaces for businesses and research.

The scheme includes a new landmark bridge over Frederick Road to boost walking and cycling around Salford, and new facilities for Salford University's staff and students.

Network Rail is also bringing forward upgrades to Salford Crescent train station, with a £21m project to create a third platform to reduce railway network delays. Meanwhile, Salford continues to grow as a city, with a high demand for new housing, jobs, and things to do.