Clay, Salford Quays - Adaptive reuse of a workplace into a vibrant residential community

Clay is a Build-to-Rent development that transforms two former office buildings at the head of Erie Basin Quay in Salford Quays, Manchester, into a contemporary residential community. Rather than replacing the existing structures, the project demonstrates how adaptive reuse can extend the life of commercial buildings while creating high-quality homes in one of Greater Manchester's most established waterfront neighbourhoods.

The scheme delivers 151 Build-to-Rent apartments alongside a comprehensive range of resident amenities, creating a sustainable model for urban regeneration that responds to changing patterns of living and working.

Adaptive reuse with a reduced environmental impact

Originally constructed in the early 1990s, the existing office buildings have been carefully retained and repurposed, significantly reducing embodied carbon compared with demolition and new construction. The buildings were stripped back to their structural frames, enabling the reuse of the primary structure while introducing upgraded façades, high-performance glazing and modern building services to meet contemporary residential standards.

The project illustrates how existing commercial assets can be successfully adapted to support housing delivery while reducing construction waste, preserving embodied carbon and extending the lifespan of the original buildings.

Designed for modern rental living

The development has been planned as a single integrated residential destination, with a new entrance adjacent to the Anchorage Metrolink stop creating a strong connection to the surrounding neighbourhood and public transport network.

Residents benefit from a range of shared amenities that encourage community and flexible lifestyles, including co-working facilities, resident lounges, a fully equipped gym, cinema room, private dining space, landscaped gardens and communal social areas. 

These facilities complement the apartments to create an attractive long-term rental environment focused on convenience, wellbeing and community.

Supporting the regeneration of Salford Quays

Located within one of the UK's most successful regeneration areas, Clay contributes to the continuing evolution of Salford Quays by introducing new homes through the intelligent reuse of existing buildings. The development reinforces the area's transition towards a mixed-use neighbourhood where living, working and leisure are closely integrated.

The project demonstrates Chapman Taylor's expertise in adaptive reuse and residential-led regeneration, delivering a commercially viable solution that balances environmental responsibility with contemporary living standards. By unlocking the potential of underutilised office buildings, Clay provides a blueprint for the sustainable transformation of ageing commercial assets into thriving residential communities.

Location: Salford Quays, Manchester, UK
Sector: Residential Build-to-Rent 
Services: Architecture, Interior Design
Expertise: Adaptive Reuse
Client: Clay Life