Work has begun to build a £24m acoustics research, testing and teaching facility in Salford.
The University of Salford has been a leading pioneer in setting industry and government standards and influencing the sound of products sold worldwide.
The new acoustics institute is described as a “step-change” in the innovation and development that its research teams can offer, with “forensic precision” engineering on everything from AI-enabled hearing aids which will make music sound better, to the noise that heat pumps create.
“It is great to see our new building under construction. This is a very exciting time for acoustics at Salford as acoustics research is becoming increasingly relevant to society today. The World Health Organisation recently labelled noise the second most harmful environmental pollutant, and new technologies such as drones, AI and EVs are changing everyday sounds in our world,” explained Professor of Acoustics at the University of Salford, Trevor Cox.
“The new acoustics building at Salford will allow us to strengthen our support for business of all sizes, as we work with product sound engineers on the innovations which will drive productivity and efficiency. It will also be used by our PhDs in our EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Sound Futures, which is now recruiting for 2026.”
Sitting within Crescent Innovation, which forms part of the wider £2.5bn Crescent Salford masterplan being delivered by the Crescent Partnership, the £24m build will feature vibration-isolating foundations and walls constructed from extra dense concrete to insulate the space from external noise and create several idealised acoustic environments.
It will be centred around a triple-height space, housing a suite of acoustically isolated labs, with anechoic chambers and a wind tunnel, plus a 4-chamber Building Environment Testing suite to measure modern construction materials.
READ MORE – £3.5m funding boost for Salford robotics centre
The building will also house some of the quietest rooms in the world, so you can even measure the sound of an insect crawling across the floor.
Completion is scheduled for mid 2027.
“Work starting on the state-of-the-art acoustics building marks another key milestone in the creation of Crescent Innovation,” added Max Bentham, Development Director at ECF.
“Designed to bring industry and education together, Crescent Innovation will provide 1.7m sq. ft of new commercial, academic and research floorspace to attract investment, create jobs and give local residents, students and businesses the tools to reach their full potential, putting Salford firmly on the map as a city built for the future.
“The acoustics facility will build on Salford’s existing expertise in this area, fostering research and innovation that will have a global impact.”
