A major multi-year regeneration project which could see more than 3,000 new homes built at MediaCity and Quayside in Salford has been brought forward.
The ambitious plans, building on the Salford Quays 2030 Vision, outline doubling the size of MediaCity including the area around Quayside and the creation of four new and distinct Quarters over 15 years.
The new Media Quarter will include the existing cluster of companies positioned around the main piazza and along Manchester Ship Canal.
A new all-weather development is planned for The Waterfront and Gateway zone where “flexible structures” and pavilions will be built alongside a footbridge connecting MediaCity to The Lowry and Quayside as well as plans to develop North Bay.
The Living Hub will feature new homes, businesses and retail, offering “striking architecture, leafy boulevards and tranquil courtyards”.
And finally, a new Culture and Community Hub, also offering leisure and retail, will be centred around Quayside and The Lowry Arts Centre and open to both residents and visitors.
“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,” said Stephen Wild, MediaCity’s managing director.
The plan, a shared vision between MediaCity, developer LandsecU+I, and Salford City Council, which could span more than 23 hectares, has just received approval for public consultation.
“We have big ambitions for MediaCity and this regeneration framework will help us on our journey to deliver a thriving place long into the future,” said Mike Hood, CEO of LandsecU+I. “It’s vital that this next phase of work is shaped by the community who will continue to live, work and enjoy MediaCity so we get the right answers on how to make positive change here.”
Wild added: “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.”
Salford City mayor, Paul Dennett, added: “The regeneration of Salford Quays and delivery of MediaCity has seen the transformation of our once derelict dockland into the fastest growing digital, tech and media hub outside of the city of London.
“The launch of this new vision highlights that it continues to be hugely important for Salford. But getting it right is vital, not only to drive growth, bringing jobs and opportunities to our city, but also to ensure that the area continues to provide a place that meets the needs of its residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
A drop-in event is taking place on the 6th floor of Orange Tower in MediaCity, on Wednesday, 18 October, between 12pm and 6.30pm.
Information boards will then be on display for six weeks in the Customer Service Centre, upper level, Quayside shopping centre.
Feedback on the plans can be submitted online from 18 October via this link.
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