Salford gives nod to ‘once-in-a-generation’ MediaCity growth plan
A six-week consultation on plans to deliver 3,000 homes and 800,000 sq ft of commercial space through the next wave of development will begin next Wednesday.
Salford City Council has signed off an updated regeneration framework for MediaCity, which proposes more homes and more offices than earlier plans envisaged.
The city council, alongside owners Peel Media and LandsecU+I, is seeking greater density in response to changing trends in the way MediaCity is used.
The regeneration framework “incorporates all of the lessons learned throughout the past 10 years, meets the economic challenges post-pandemic, and seeks to create a critical mass of people who live, visit and work in the area”, according to a report to Salford’s cabinet.
The framework outlines what will be delivered next at the 53-acre site – which is already home to 1.4m sq ft of offices and more than 1,100 homes. The masterplan was drawn up by Deloitte, Prior + Partners, Urban, and TTHC.
In 2016, plans for 555,000 sq ft of offices and 1,800 homes at MediaCity were approved, some of which have already been delivered.
Both the residential and commercial elements have now been significantly scaled up.
- Landsec wants to push ahead with the next wave of development at MediaCity. Credit: Prior & Partners
- Credit: Prior & Partners
The proposed next phases of regeneration will double the size of MediaCity’s current footprint and include the area around the Quayside shopping centre.
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 that 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.”
Mike Hood, chief executive of LandsecU+I, said the company, which acquired a 75% stake in MediaCity in 2021, had “big ambitions” for the site.
“This regeneration framework will help us on our journey to deliver a thriving place long into the future.
“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.”
A pair of residential buildings could be built close to Quayside. Credit: Prior & Partners
