It’s official – more than 3,000 new homes, and “unparalleled access” to employment, retail, leisure, and recreation is on its way to Salford.
That’s because “world class” plans to regenerate MediaCity and Salford Quays have finally been approved this week.
After first being unveiled back in October of last year, and following what Salford Council says has been an “extensive consultation period” with input from the local Salford and wider Greater Manchester community, the proposals to transform the area into an “iconic waterfront destination” that’ll apparently rival some of the finest in the world have now been given the green light.
As well as planning approval, a new artist’s impression image has been released by the Council to show the new “aspirational vision” for the waterfront – which will be the focal point of the regeneration, and form one of four zones.
The “ambitious” plans are said to be inspired by other design-led waterfronts neighbourhoods in the Norwegian capital of Oslo, and Australia’s Darling Harbour.
New and flexible all-weather glass-fronted structures and pavilions are proposed as part of the waterfront regeneration, as well as a new pedestrian link bridge from MediaCity to The Lowry and Quayside, alongside plans to activate ‘North Bay’ too.
‘World class’ plans to regenerate MediaCity and Salford Quays have been approved / Credit: MediaCity
A new boardwalk and link bridge along the MediaCity waterfront will feature more green space, innovative art installations, and places for people to eat and drink, while the main MediaCity ‘Piazza’ – in which a cluster of 250 creative, tech, and digital companies including ITV, BBC, and dock10 studios are currently housed around – will also be reimagined, with moveable structures that can provide space for a variety of brand activations all year round.
The new ‘Living Hub’ will feature sustainable homes, businesses, and so-called ‘convenience retail’, while the ‘Culture and Community Hub’ centred in and around Quayside and The Lowry is aiming to be the cultural, leisure, and retail heart of the destination.
“The reshaped regeneration proposals will support us in delivering a world class destination where people will want to live, work, and learn for many years to come,” commented Stephen Wild, who is the Managing Director of MediaCity, as the plans were officially approved this week.
What MediaCity and Salford waterfront currently looks like / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“As the home of future media, MediaCity’s output is global and its environment needs to reflect its international significance.
“While the waterfront is the gateway to MediaCity and the Quays, it’s right that it should compete with some of the finest waterfront destinations in the world, and we’re looking forward to working with our partners to make our vision a reality.”
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, has called the regeneration approval “really positive”, as he believes MediaCity has always been a “striking development that has caught the eye and imagination of so many since its inception”.
“What’s to come will further cement MediaCity’s position as the place to live and work in the northwest and a must-see destination,” he concluded.
Featured Image – MediaCity
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The NBA is coming to Manchester for just the second time ever
Danny Jones
In another major coup for Manchester, the NBA is coming to our shores for just the second time in history, having only been played in the UK on a relative handful of occasions.
This is nothing short of a massive milestone for the city.
Having last crossed the pond back in 2019, the NBA has only visited 0161 once before over a decade ago at the old AO Arena, and there’s only been a total of 19 transatlantic meetings up until now.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, being confirmed as part of the NBA’s new European slate, Manchester is also set to be one of the first venues in the UK to ever host a regular-season game.
JUST ANNOUNCED: @NBA The NBA, Co-op Live and @ManchesterCityCouncil have today announced that the NBA will bring a regular-season game to Manchester for the first time ever in 2027, a monumental moment for the city, the venue, and UK sport. Read more here: https://t.co/6hR5g8XsxXpic.twitter.com/PRCCqb2Zaw
NBA Europe have managed to secure a three-year programme of matches that will feature as part of the league’s normal competitive season.
Kicking off next year and running until 2028 at the very least, the current deal will see the much-loved sport watched worldwide first land on the continent for a pair of games next year in Berlin and London, before heading to Paris and our very own Manchester in 2027.
Florida’s Orlando Magic and Tennessee’s Memphis Grizzlies have already been announced for the first two games, although Manchester’s match-up is yet to be confirmed at this early stage.
With Basketball England being officially headquartered within the wider Etihad Campus, there was no question that the Manchester NBA fixture was going to be held at Co-op Live.
As well as being not just the biggest indoor entertainment venue of its kind in England but all of Europe, the arena has also recently welcomed the likes of the UFC, WWE and multiple boxing matches, proving it can serve as the perfect host for premier live sporting action on a global scale.
Speaking in the wake of the seismic news, the Leader of Manchester City Council and representative for Burnage, Bev Craig, could only echo how big a deal this is for the region.
“Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city”, she said. “This city is known for big names, big games and a reputation for showcasing world-class events on the biggest stage possible.
“With a growing basketball scene in Manchester, this event feels like the perfect fit and will give so many people in our city the chance to see what the best athletes in the sport can do on our home turf.
“When it comes to delivering world-class events, we know that Manchester is now firmly on the map. Now, working with our partners, we want to continue driving investment towards our city, creating new jobs, increasing growth and providing new opportunities and experiences for all of our residents.”
Once again, the exact date, timings and teams set to play at the Co-op are still yet to be decided, but having also sealed the BRIT Awards ceremony for 2026, it’s set to be a truly momentous couple of years for the arena and the city as a whole.
Viral beauty retailer Sephora announces Manchester Arndale opening day plans
Thomas Melia
Viral beauty stockist Sephora has announced the schedule ahead of new Manchester Arndale site’s opening day.
Known for stocking some of the world’s biggest beauty brands, including Sol De Janeiro Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Fenty, Huda Beauty, and more, Sephora is making its Manchester Arndale debut this week, and opening day plans have been confirmed.
After opening its first Manchester site inside the Trafford Centre last year, the cosmetics retailer is now really making its mark on Manchester city centre.
Ahead of its new launch inside one of Manchester’s biggest shopping centres, with a almost 5,000 sq ft site inside the Arndale, Sephora is expected to attract huge queues, so the retailer has issued a statement detailing its plans ahead of the opening day.
Sephora has announced plans ahead of its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
The opening day is this Friday (1 August) from 10am, and from this date, you’ll be able to get your hands on all their glorious goodies and brands.
If you’re eager to be one of the first people to browse this beauty shop and its massive product range, you’ll be able to queue beforehand – with entertainment on the day from 8am, and the opening ceremony from 9:30am.
Similarly to the brand’s Trafford Centre launch, there will be a range of activities, including an appearance from Drag King Don One, DJ sets, Spin the Wheel, and Sephora’s iconic viral gift bags.
These gift bags have become highly-sought-after due to the sheer amount of big names and top quality products you can find inside, and there’ll be 800 of these prized possessions given away throughout the weekend.
This time, however, the cosmetics retailer is trialling a new approach, with anyone who makes an in-store purchase receiving a ‘Sephora Beauty Bonus Card’ which gives you access to goodies and offers without queuing.
You’ll be in with the chance of winning a goodie bag, a mystery lucky dip for a full-sized product, Benefit Wax and Tint Brow Service, 30-minute makeover opportunity, exclusive merchandise, and a 10% off code for the Manchester Arndale Sephora shop.
The viral beauty brand Sephora will be giving away 800 goodie bag at its big Manchester Arndale launch event / Credit: The Manc Group
Sephora will be stocking more than 135 brands, as well as a curation of products that are exclusive to its UK locations.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Sephora UK, commented: “We’ve been blown away by the energy and support from our community at every store opening since our first in 2023.
“This new approach means even more customers can enjoy the fun and walk away with a surprise without needing to arrive hours before doors open. It’s about putting customer wellbeing first, while still celebrating in true Sephora style”.
Sephora is opening at Manchester Arndale on Friday 1 August, with entertainment starting from 8am, the official opening ceremony commencing from 9:30am, and the store opening at 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
27th March 2024 
