Newly reformed plans to regenerate MediaCity and Salford Quays into a ‘world class’ waterfront destination have been approved this week.
Salford City Council have green-lighted the plans, which will see more than 3,000 new homes as well as 800,000 sq ft of commercial space across 60 acres, bringing new employment, retail and leisure opportunities to the area.
According to Landsec and Peel, which own the regeneration scheme, the ‘ambitious’ plans are said to have taken inspiration from the waterfronts of Oslo in Norway and Sydney’s Darling Harbour, in Australia.
A new artist’s impression has been released to show the new vision for the waterfront, with new and flexible all-weather glass-fronted structures and pavilions proposed.
The regenerated quayside will feature four distinct zones including the Media Quarter, the Waterfront and Gateway zone, Living Hub and the Culture and Community Hub.
A new boardwalk and link bridge along the MediaCity waterfront will ‘feature more, quality nature and green space’, as well as innovative art installations, and places for people to eat and drink.
While the main Piazza – home to media and tech companies including the likes of ITV, BBC, and dock10 studios – will be reimagined to include moveable structures which could house a variety of brand activations.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “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.
“With office space to cater for the growing number of businesses looking to relocate to Salford and a significant number of new homes to support our drive to alleviate the housing crisis MediaCity will continue to be a hugely important development for the city.”
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.”