Eden opens for business

One of our most ambitious and pioneering developments to date – Eden at New Bailey, Salford – has officially launched. The milestone was acknowledged with an event attended by the people, partners, and organisations that collaborated to deliver the building which has already been hailed a national icon.

An evening of sunshine provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate one of the UK’s most sustainable workspaces and reflect on how it has come to be standing proud on Salford’s skyline as a beacon of sustainability.

Community was at the heart of the launch coordinated by Solid Ground, with attendees enjoying sustainable vegan food courtesy of Wholesome Junkies, drinks by One New Bailey’s Menagerie, and vivid plants thanks to Thoughtful Botanicals, while a gallery of images from photographer Simon Buckley – who has documented Eden’s progress – were on display, charting the building’s genesis over the past couple of years.

Music and entertainment were also provided, with Make Music Memories, The Sax Guy, and dancers from Carmina adding to the buzzing atmosphere. Additionally, there was an opportunity for guests to visit Eden’s new coffee shop, Spice & Grind, which acts as a connecting point between those working in the building and the wider New Bailey community – an ideal place to meet in a welcoming and relaxing environment.

The mood of celebration and appreciation continued when the City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, took to the stage to outline how the innovation showcased in making Eden a reality chimes with a long list of firsts associated with the iconic city, and embody Salford’s drive to make a name for itself on a global scale.

Reflecting on Eden’s eco credentials – which include the capability to run solely on renewable energy and the use of reclaimed and recycled materials wherever possible – Paul also proudly described how Eden is now a ‘greenprint’ for industry to follow, another nod to Salford’s unique identity and status as a genuine trailblazer.

Partnerships, togetherness, and synergy were then the topics that Tom Stannard, CEO of Salford City Council, spoke earnestly about as he applauded the power of collaboration to drive the change that is putting Salford firmly on the map – not just nationally, but globally.

Our relationships with partners and collaborators have been pivotal in shaping the local legend and national icon that Eden has already become and are central in all our work to deliver regeneration that’s fit for the future and built to last.

Also speaking was our Managing Director (North West), Phil Marsden, who described with pride Eden’s journey from a derelict surface car park to the most energy-efficient commercial building in the country, adorned with Europe’s largest living wall.

Acknowledging the immensity of what has been achieved, Phil thanked everyone involved for working together, believing together, and “not just settling for the status quo” – a shared vision and drive that has led to the creation of something extraordinary.

But while Eden’s launch provided a chance to look back at what has been achieved, there was a clear message for everyone to take away; Eden is just the beginning.

With partnerships and collaboration stronger than ever in the city, and momentum building in Greater Manchester’s mission to become zero carbon by 2038, Eden is the first staging post of many on the journey towards creating a greener, even more distinctive Salford.

Developed by ECF (formerly the English Cities Fund), our strategic joint venture with Homes England and Legal & General, Eden is a £36 million, 115,000 sq ft, 12-storey office space. It forms a key part of ECF’s £1bn regeneration of the Salford Central area of the city into a diverse mixed-use destination, complete with a bustling commercial district, alongside a vibrant community of homes and amenities, to provide something to suit everyone.