‘Salford Quays is becoming a city centre that no one asked for’

Salford Quays could become an overdeveloped ‘super city’ in the next decade, a councillor has warned.

Paul Heilbron, of Salford Lib Dems and a resident of the Quays, said plans to build thousands of homes in the area could change the neighbourhood beyond recognition and leave residents without adequate public facilities.

Once a bustling industrial centre for the Manchester Ship Canal, the Quays were transformed into one of the UK’s most successful regeneration projects following the closure of the docks in 1982.

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Today the area is known as a cultural and creative hub, home to The Lowry and companies such as ITV and the BBC, which are based around MediaCity.

Quays residents mainly live in apartment blocks along the waterways, in what is considered a highly desirable part of Greater Manchester to live in. It is also an area that attracts tourism to the region, with a number of shops, bars, restaurants and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Salford Quays is certain to grow in the future, with plans for major housing developments approved at MediaCity and Pier 7, and an application submitted to build a further 3,000 homes at the nearby Regent Retail Park, less than 10 minutes away by car. This is in addition to plans for a £200m redevelopment of Salford Soapworks with 450 apartments and a scheme for over 1,000 homes on Michigan Avenue.

However, Mr Heilbron warned that residents of Salford Quays were already suffering from a lack of local amenities, with only one medical centre in the area and trams ‘overflowing’ with commuters.

He said: “Salford Quays is going to become a city centre in five to 10 years’ time, but the people who live here didn’t come here for that. It’s a completely different lifestyle.

“A super city is being built. People are coming here because it’s not a city centre, but it’s not in the Lakes either. These plans are sacrificing what Salford Quays is now, and it’s going to be a city centre that nobody asked for.

“Our public services are either flat or in decline, trams are bursting at the seams all the time. I’m calling for an extra medical centre for the area, we have one for the whole of Quays and Ordsall. Are we going to have more police stations or fire stations? There’s nothing to house the extra population.”

He added: “The Quays Liberal Democrat team is in favour of the regeneration of our area, but we are sceptical about the sincerity of the (future) plans given Labor’s track record in our great city, building too many apartments and under-developing our public services, social amenities and vital infrastructure.”

Salford’s Lib Dems have called for a number of measures ahead of new development plans in the area, including more police and school spaces, healthcare facilities, extra trams and buses, and measures to combat pollution.

The Lib Dems enjoy local support in the Quays, where they hold two of the ward’s three council seats. But Salford Labour defended their record in the area.

A party spokesman said: “Salford Labour’s investment in Salford Quays has truly transformed the area, with MediaCity now the country’s second largest technology, digital and media centre, attracting high-quality employers and bringing excellent jobs and opportunities to the area for local Salford residents.

“In partnership with Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor for Greater Manchester, we have already recruited six additional police officers to the Quays and are working with Andy and Transport for Greater Manchester to explore options to extend the Metrolink service around Salford Quays and the Crescent area.

“Over the past decade, this country’s public services and social infrastructure have been degraded by an austerity regime facilitated by the Liberal Democrats under the coalition government.

“Councillor Heilbron’s words are hollow, given that his party has paved the way for cuts that have cost £245 million from our budget since 2010.

“Working hand in hand with the new Labour government, Salford Labour will continue to deliver for our people, delivering good jobs and affordable housing and making Salford a fairer, greener and healthier city for all our residents.”

Councillor Mike McCusker, head of planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford City Council, added: “Salford Quays was once a derelict dockland area and is now home to one of Europe’s most successful water regeneration projects.

“MediaCity is expected to double in size over the next decade, with plans for thousands of additional homes.

“But we want the future of the area to be as good as it can be. That’s why we’ve worked with and listened to residents, partners, businesses and a mix of public and private stakeholders to produce Salford Quays 2030 – a blueprint of a combined vision for the area.

“The overall goal is to create an area that works for everyone, with people at the heart of our vision.”