New regeneration proposals to transform the MediaCity and Salford Quays waterfront have been given the greenlight by Salford City Council this week. After first being unveiled back in October last year, and following a consultation with the local Salford and wider Greater Manchester community, the plans will include around 3,000 new homes as well as circa 800,000 sq ft of additional commercial space across 60 acres.
Inspired by design-led waterfronts such as Oslo in Norway and Australia’s Darling Harbour the revised regeneration proposals aim transform the area into an “iconic waterfront destination” that’ll apparently rival “some of the finest in the world”. A new artist’s impression has been released to show the new vision for the waterfront – the focal point of the regeneration plan’s waterfront and Gateway quarter – forming one of four zones.
The MediaCity and Salford Quays waterfront will be defined by four distinct quarters including the Media Quarter, the Waterfront and Gateway zone, Living Hub and the Culture and Community Hub. The vision for the waterfront will bring new and flexible, all-weather glass-fronted structures and pavilions are proposed. This includes a new pedestrian link bridge from MediaCity to The Lowry and Quayside as well as plans to activate North Bay.
A new boardwalk and link bridge along the MediaCity waterfront will feature more, quality nature and green space, art installations, places for people to eat, drink or enjoy the tranquil views. As for the main MediaCity ‘Piazza’ – in which a cluster of 250 creative, tech, and digital companies including ITV, BBC, and dock10 studios are currently housed around – will also be reimagined, with moveable structures that can provide space for a variety of brand activations all year round.
The new Living Hub will feature sustainable homes, businesses and ‘convenience retail’, while the Culture and Community Hub centred in and around Quayside and The Lowry aims to be the cultural, leisure and retail heart of the destination.
Stephen Wild, MediaCity Managing Director said: “The re-shaped regeneration proposals will support us in delivering a world class destination where people will want to live, work and learn for many years to come. As the home of future media, MediaCity’s output is global and its environment needs to reflect its international significance. While the waterfront is the gateway to MediaCity and the Quays, it’s right that it should compete with some of the finest waterfront destinations in the world. We’re looking forward to working with our partners to make our vision a reality.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “MediaCity has always been a striking development that has caught the eye and imagination of so many since its inception, and so to now see the next step in its evolution is really positive. What’s to come will further cements MediaCity’s position as the place to live and work in the northwest and a must-see destination.”