Salford Quays in Greater Manchester is mirroring the South Bank’s approach, with ten companies joining forces in an ambitious master plan to turn the area into ‘the South Bank of the North.’
Salford Quays has already undergone extensive regeneration and transformation work, which has resulted in the area being one of the North of England’s most attractive and enticing areas to live. The plan to create the South Bank of the North will see further improvements undertaken thanks to the combined efforts of a consortium of businesses including the BBC, ITV, Manchester United Lancashire County Cricket Club, the University of Salford and local councils.
The aim is to attract some 3.4 million visitors to the area annually by 2017, generating income of £340m. The improvements undertaken as part of the plan will focus on water quality, positioning Salford Quays as a hub for water sports. Parking and transport links will also be improved.
It may seem an ambitious target, but Salford Quays isn’t stopping there. The Destination Management Plan actually runs to 2025 and covers further improvements to areas as diverse as water quality, accessibility and wildlife.