Salford Quays has evolved from a largely empty landscape of racecourses and medieval halls into one of the UK’s most significant urban regeneration projects.
1. The Industrial Era (1887–1981)
- 1887: Construction of the Manchester Ship Canal begins, designed to link the city directly to the sea.
- 1894: Queen Victoria officially opens the Manchester Ship Canal; the docks become Britain’s third largest port.
- 1905: King Edward VII opens No 9 Dock, the largest in Salford, on the site where The Lowry now stands.
- 1940: The area is heavily targeted and damaged during the Manchester Blitz in December.
- 1970s: Rapid decline sets in as containerisation and larger ships make the Ship Canal obsolete.
2. Decline and Early Redevelopment (1982–1999)
- 1982: Salford Docks officially close, resulting in the loss of roughly 3,000 jobs.
- 1983–84: Salford City Council acquires the derelict land from the Manchester Ship Canal Company.
- 1985: The ambitious Salford Quays Development Plan is published, focusing on residential and commercial use.
- 1986–90: Major infrastructure work begins, including cleaning the polluted water, building internal waterways, and opening early developments like the Copthorne Hotel.
- 1999: The Metrolink extension (Eccles Line) opens, connecting the Quays to Manchester’s light rail network.
3. Cultural and Digital Expansion (2000–Present)
- 2000: The Lowry arts centre is opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
- 2001: The Lowry Outlet Mall (now Quayside MediaCity) opens to the public.
- 2002: The Imperial War Museum North opens its doors across the water from The Lowry.
- 2007–10: Construction of MediaCityUK takes place; the BBC confirms the relocation of five departments to the site.
- 2011–12: BBC and University of Salford staff move into MediaCityUK; ITV later moves its Manchester base (including Coronation Street) here in 2013.
- 2021: Buildings at MediaCityUK achieve net zero carbon status.
- 2022: The Salford Quays 2030 vision is launched to further enhance the area as a vibrant community hub.
Salford Quays, Salford, Greater Manchester, UK
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