University of Salford names landmark new building

The University of Salford has announced the name of its flagship health and wellbeing building, which will be used for teaching as well as research and community services. It is one of the first buildings in the UK to use ‘trauma informed’ design throughout.

Due for completion in late 2026 the £54 million building will be known as the Thrive Health and Wellbeing Centre. It will provide first class teaching and research spaces and it will enrich health services in the community.  

A new fly-through video shows the carefully curated interior of the building as well as a roof garden which will be used for therapeutic purposes. A video of the interior is below.

The University asked architects AHR to prioritise inclusivity and accessibility in all features of the building. The result is a space which promotes comfort and ease of navigation through its open layouts, uncluttered sightlines and minimal dead ends.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the School of Health and Society Professor Vicky Halliwell says: “Our Thrive Health and Wellbeing Centre has been designed with all our user groups in mind, from students and academics to members of the public. As a university we are here to help enrich lives. Salford is one of the most deprived areas of the UK healthcare wise. This  building will be a huge asset to helping us all address this when it opens.”

Director, Robert Hopkins, from AHR, says: “Creating great architecture is about designing the right experience for as many people as possible. At Salford, we’ve brought together trauma informed, neurodiversity-led and biophilic design principles to shape a space that feels intuitive and uplifting. From daylight and texture to wayfinding and sensory balance, every design decision supports comfort, confidence and connection – helping people to truly thrive within the building.”

Kier is building Salford’s Thrive Health and Wellbeing Centre which will occupy approximately 5500 square metres floorspace over three floors.

The University’s students and researchers will work in spaces which are identical to real NHS-type clinical settings. Podiatry, Prosthetics and Orthotics and Sports Rehabilitation are just some of the courses which will be taught there. A Movement Analysis Lab generously funded by the Wolfson Foundation will study the efficiency of limb aids and will inform international research programmes.

The site forms part of the University’s Campus Connectivity Plan (CCP) which is the major redevelopment of its research, teaching and public spaces. The University is  a partner in the wider Crescent Salford Masterplan, along with Salford City Council and ECF.

The Thrive Health and Wellbeing Centre sits within the School of Health and Society which is the largest department in the university with over 8000 students.