Salford Watergardens: Quays revamp to bring in new waterside food venues

The waterside at Salford Quays is set to become a hotspot for the public to eat and drink with a new ‘Box on the Docks’ concept being brought in.

The scheme includes a foodhall targeted at independent food and drink operators at terrace level and spaces at dockside level.

The proposals, submitted by the Lowry Outlet, at the quayside will include an external mall walkway to create new outdoor seating areas, erection of new food and retail container units. It is hoped that increasing footfall within the area would aid the vitality and viability of the area surrounding the shopping centre.

This is part of the Salford City Council’s masterplan that involves dividing the Quays into three distinct areas: Living, Live/Working and Leisure. 

The updated ‘vision’ for the Quays will be shaped by five key principles aimed at creating:

• A place that puts people at the centre

• A place that works for everyone

• A place that’s dedicated to wellbeing

• A place where creativity brings people together

• A place that celebrates its past

“A series of internal mall refurbishment works associated with the southern waterside entrance were completed in April 2020 including the installation of new escalators to provide direct access to the upper mall uses (Vue cinema, ITV ‘Jungle Challenge’ leisure box, food court and associated retail units),” a design and access statement stated.

“Due to changes in the F+B market and associated tenant demand, ‘The Watergardens’ scheme has been redesigned to initiate leasing discussions with potential foodhall operators and to attract a diverse range of F+B tenants. The design principles and strategies established as part of the previous application to reconnect the centre to the prime waterfront setting has been a key driver throughout the design stages for this new application.”

Central to the Salford ‘Vision’ is the proposal that the waterfront neighbourhood further develop its own identity with a new town centre situated between MediaCity, the Lowry and Cotton Quays supported by new cafes and restaurants which open out onto the waterfront. There will be distinctive neighbourhood identities that meet the different needs of those who live, work and play in the Quays.

Speaking after the launch of the new vision for Salford, city mayor Paul Dennett said: “The historic regeneration of Salford Quays is one of our city’s greatest success stories. It has become a beacon of opportunity and inspiration for those working in our creative industries and for the vibrant and diverse communities who call it home.

“Its growth over the next decade will further our ambitions for Salford to be a pioneering city in developing and nurturing skills in the media, technology and cultural sectors with more opportunities for Salford residents to tap into this world-class resource on our doorstep. As this neighbourhood flourishes, we must make sure that people are placed at the centre of the Quays’ future. 

“This is at heart of the vision – to show how the successes and lessons over the last 30 years are the blueprint for delivering a neighbourhood that works for all. It has been borne by the views and priorities of the local communities who make the Quays such a special place to be.”