Salford city council has approved a planning application which will be the largest ever in the city of Salford’s history.

The plan will assist in the regeneration of the area and link key sites such as the University of Salford and The Crescent, Chapel Street and the region’s business district - Spinningfields, covers an area of 17.744ha - equivalent to 21 international football pitches and was submitted by English Cities Fund (ECf) with the support of Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company.

Sir Michael Lyons, non-executive chairman of the English Cities Fund, said: “I am delighted that Salford City Council has today resolved to grant planning permission for this English Cities Fund development. The decision is a significant landmark and lays the foundations for the much needed regeneration of this area. There remains a considerable amount of work to do before development commences however, with the continued support of its partners and the local community, I am confident that ECf will produce a development that Salford can be proud of.”

The proposed development is looking to create sustainable communities with the correct balance of uses and will include new offices, commercial, retail and leisure uses but will be complemented by family housing and apartments linked by high-quality public realm and civic spaces.

Chris Farrow, Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company chief executive, said: “Today’s decision marks a critical milestone in the regeneration of this key area of the City. Over the last two years Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company, in close partnership with our public and private sector partners, local businesses and communities, has worked tirelessly on the planning, design and consultation for the Chapel Street area.”

A new square, St Johns Place, is planned to maximise the view of the newly renovated Salford Cathedral. A new Commercial Quarter will make the most of Salford’s strategic location next to Spinningfields and the corporate heart of Manchester.