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
Why is it painted as some kind of Benidorm replica?
By Clag
This area has so much potential, I like the increasing the density aspect. Visited recently with the new food hall and the place was thriving.
By Anonymous
It needs people with vision this area. It is far too sterile. An open market, a beach, create a destination for leisure.
By Elephant
Id like to see the owners re-focus on the ‘media’ aspect of mediacity when planning future workspace. It would be a terrible shame to see the area’s USP diluted as there is so much growth potential in this industry and the BBC / ITV as the anchor tenant need a TV and media ecosystem around them in order to thrive long term.
By Sid Bernstein
could be anywhere – very generic images.
By manc
All these new apartments need to have balconies.
By Circe
@ elephant….Have you been when the sun is out and the kids are by the water? It’s anything but sterile then. It is though the wrong kind of people having the wrong kind of fun and so it isn’t welcomed.
By harpisord
I see what they are trying to do and overall it’s a good thing. A sort of Manchesters Docklands that along with Trafford City acts as a great balance to the city centre. They do need to keep on top of ongoing maintenance and management though. Some of the public walkways over the other side are getting over grown and tired after 30 years.
By Ghost of Harold Riley
Good luck. Several long term vacant units seemingly difficult to fill already. Tomorrow building has never been fully let,
Additional car parking capacity removed from the plans.
By Katie
I think ‘Katie’ you’ve confused the Lowry centre with Media city. Not the same thing, this is a much bigger thing that encompasses the Lowry centre as just one part of a very large area. Hope that helps.
By Mitch
The development of the whole area has been great but the facilities for children are poor it needs play areas a park etc, Not just build apartments too many going up and not enough places to go for young children.
By Anonymous
I’m not usually one to respond but @manc, they aren’t generic at all… there are quite obvious landmarks and one image even has “mediacity” on it.
By Wrong Police
They need some interesting designs. Radical even
By Anonymous
There should definitely be some skyscrapers in there! That would compliment the X1 Michigan towers and create a pyramid shaped skyline.
By MC
Are they seriously building on the steps?
They help create open space and are used as seating. And what’s the bridge in front of the Alchemist all about?
The rest of it is welcomed but they should be expanding the public realm/open space, not closing it up. It gets rammed as it is. There’s tonnes of nearby brownfield.
By Anonymous
Hey ‘ Mitch’. I’m aware of the differences between the Lowry and MediaCityUK.
The former Vertigo restaurant has been unlet for nearly 2 years. The General Store is empty. Most of the Tomorrow building is empty and has been since launch.
The Lowry is a 2 minute walk from the piazza. If MediaCityUk is the successful place it’s supposed to be why haven’t decades long empty units at the Lowry remained unoccupied, especially considering its proximity? ‘Experiences’ such as the ‘I’m a Celeb’ closed after a brief period of operation.
The area is saturated with food offerings, even more so with the terribly named ‘Kargo Mkt’ – most of these places frequented mainly by office workers and the few theatre/cinema goers.
MediaCityUK is not a destination, it’s a work zone with some overpriced pokey flats. People, mainly with kids looking to pass the time at the weekends and school holidays come to nosy at the BBC, or pass through to get to Old Trafford.
Adding some units and boardwalks overhanging the polluted canal isn’t going to change that.
Other than a chemist and proper WHSmith nothing more that would add value to the site.
The real revolution would be connecting the MediaCityUk tram to the Trafford line or a proper rail connection for commuters heading towards Bolton, Horwich, Chorley and Preston.
By Katie
I think reading the article and looking at the plans explains more than adequately what the developers are trying to achieve, that’s rather the point. Increase the density , develop the whole area make media city better connected. This is a good thing.
By Anonymous
They need to sort out that shopping centre. How come that one at ellesmere port attracts all the big names. It’s a beautiful centre and was impressed at the food court refurb. People are just rattling around m. I’m surprised they don’t use it as a film location as they don’t need to tell the general public to stay out of the camera.
By Leeroy
Sorry Katie, read the plans, they outline everything they are trying to do and why, no luck needed. Wish them luck by all means but this area just needs exactly this.
By Butch
What about spending money on Swinton and Walkden centers
By Alan Johnson
What about Lancastrian Hall in Swinton.This building is a insult to the local rate payers.Condem this dirty eye sore!
By Alan Johnson