We love a bit of Salford, home to some incredible businesses, cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, a university, MediaCity, Old Trafford, and of course, some great people. Now, Manchester’s second city, the City of Salford, has been recognised in the shortlist for Estates Gazette‘s annual awards, in the category ‘City of the Year‘ − and we’re so happy it’s being given the attention in deserves.
The City of the Year Award seeks to celebrate the UK’s cities and the work they are doing to create liveable, successful places. In an all-northern line-up, Salford is joined by Sheffield and Leeds in the City of the Year category shortlist, showing just how much the north offers in terms of quality of life and the architecture it provides.
Salford has earnt its place in the shortlist, having gone through an impressive redevelopment over the past few years. Not only have the likes of Eden, Middlewood Locks and Central Bay Food Hall made an entry into the city, but works still continue on MediaCity and Greengate, showing Salford’s continued commitment to progress.
Of course, many Salford attributes are decades, even centuries old, which combine with the modernised areas of the city. Pubs including the King’s Arms, the Old Pint Pot and the New Oxford are all still popular watering holes for locals and visitors, and Bexley Square holds an important and rich history whilst still providing functionality for businesses and customers.
Salford also hosts the annual Sounds from the Other City festival, highlighting grassroots talent, showing off local venues, and bringing the commmunity together with music. This is especially poignant when thinking about the influence the city has had on music and the arts, whether it be the Smiths’ iconic photo in front of Salford Lads Club, the inception of the legendary John Cooper Clarke, or the fantastic programmes available at the University of Salford, keeping the arts alive.
Other categories in the EG Awards include Real Estate Adviser Award, UK Company Award, Best Workplace Award, and Sustainability Award, spanning the gamut of real estate and the built sector, and what matters to those who live there.
This year the EG Awards celebrate their 20th anniversary – two decades of recognising the very best things about the real estate sector. The Awards celebrate the very best deals, developments, businesses, emerging talent, game-changers and the inspirations, taking place in November at Old Billingsgate in London − with shortlisted cities bringing northern power down south.
The EG Awards are judged by an esteemed panel of leaders from the built environment who meticulously assess the entries. The winners of each category of the Estates Gazette Awards will be announced at the ceremony on 21 November 2024.