Following approval for consultation by Salford City Council’s Cabinet, a public consultation is set to commence on Wednesday, 18 October, which outlines an ambitious vision for MediaCity and Quayside, spanning 23.30 ha (hectares) which has the potential to bring over 3,000 new homes, more business opportunities across circa 75,000 sq metres as well as unparalleled access to employment, retail, leisure and recreation.
The regeneration framework builds on the ‘Salford Quays 2030 Vision’ and outlines four key aspirations for the area: creating a vibrant and convenient town centre offering, developing more commercial office space, delivering high quality and affordable homes within attractively landscaped neighbourhoods and enhancing the current waterfront and public realm areas while creating new green spaces.
The vast scale of the proposed regeneration project will stretch from MediaCity’s current footprint doubling its size including the area around Quayside and will be defined by four distinct quarters each characterised by a specific purpose.
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The Media Quarter includes the current cluster of creative, tech and digital companies positioned around the main Piazza and along the Manchester Ship Canal.
The Waterfront and Gateway zone will maximise MediaCity and Quayside’s unique waterfront setting. As the historic gateway to the site, new flexible structures and pavilions are proposed to enable the space to be activated in all weathers. Proposals also include a new pedestrian link bridge from MediaCity to The Lowry and Quayside as well as plans to activate North Bay
The Living Hub presents a new opportunity for the destination featuring new, highly sustainable homes, businesses and convenience retail. This zone will incorporate striking architecture, leafy boulevards and tranquil courtyards.
The Culture and Community Hub centred in and around Quayside and The Lowry Arts Centre is the vibrant cultural, leisure and retail heart of the destination which residents and visitors from across the region can access and enjoy
Stephen Wild, MediaCity’s Managing Director said: "This proposed Regeneration Framework for MediaCity and Quayside is a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of this dynamic area to reach its full potential over the next 10 to 15 years.
"In partnership with Salford City Council, we want to deliver an unrivalled destination which will provide more quality homes, employment opportunities, community facilities, a rich cultural and leisure scene while making the most of The Quays greatest assets – the waterfront. We’re creating a place for the people of Salford to be proud of which is why feedback on the proposed framework from our local community is so important.
"We’ve already started to bring forward improvements to Quayside in line with Salford City Council’s 2030 vision for the area, with the £3.5 million investment in Central Bay – the new independent food and drink destination. However, we still have a way to go to improve the town centre amenity but through working in partnership with other agencies and Salford City Council we can accelerate these improvements which will be a crucial element of the agreed planning strategy going forward."
