It’s even got to the stage where some locals are fearing the emergence of a ‘super city’ - such is the rapid development in the area. One of the latest grand plans for the area includes a floating hotel - yes, you read that right.
But it wasn’t always like this. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1894, Salford Docks – as they were then known – helped Manchester trailblaze its way into the Industrial Revolution, connecting the city’s industry to the rest of the world. Then, after the docks’ closure in the eighties and years of dereliction, it became one of the largest urban regeneration projects the UK has ever seen.
Now it is a hive of activity - with bars, restaurants, a shopping centre, a theatre, a museum, a watersports centre, residential buildings, a gig venue, a football stadium and the small matter of the BBC.
The transformation has been remarkable and we’ve delved back in our archives to take a look at the journey from the birth of the ship canal to MediaCity and beyond.
Now it is a hive of activity - with bars, restaurants, a shopping centre, a theatre, a museum, a watersports centre, residential buildings, a gig venue, a football stadium and the small matter of the BBC.
13. 2013
Scottish arts charity NVA’s ‘Speed of Light’ art project. The patterns of light are created by runners wearing LED suits. Credit: ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images | AFP via Getty Images
14. 2012
Queen Elizabeth II waving the flag to start the Sport Relief Mile fun run in 2012 during her visit to Media City. Credit: ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images | AFP via Getty Images
15. 2006
This 200-acre site is now Media City. Credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images | Getty Images
16. 2014
The poppy sculpture Wave, created by designer Tom Piper and artist Paul Cummins, outside the Imperial War Museum North. Credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images | Getty Images