A “new vision” to set out how Salford Quays could look and feel in 2030 has been launched by Salford City Council this week.
Following an extensive consultation process with businesses and residents last summer to help ensure that the Quays is “a place that works for everyone”, the blueprint for the redevelopment plans – which is titled ‘Salford Quays: A New Vision 2030’ – have now been unveiled, and name five “guiding principles” for the future of the neighbourhood, with the already-expansive and popular area expected to double in size over the next decade.
According to the Council, central to the vision is the proposal that the neighbourhood would further develop its own identity, with a “waterfront new town centre” to be built between MediaCity, the Lowry, and Cotton Quays.
It will feature an all-weather pavilion, as well as new cafes and restaurants.
There will also be distinctive neighbourhood identities that meet the different needs of those who “live, work, and play” in the Quays, and a year-round cultural programme is also set to showcase the city’s greatest artistic talents.
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A “new vision” to set out how Salford Quays could look and feel in 2030 has been launched / Credit: Salford City Council
The plans are also committing to creating a new historic or cultural walking trail to tell the Quays’ unique story as one of Europe’s most successful regeneration projects, so that its community feels better connected to our city’s roots and the people that made it.
Speaking on the unveiling of the plans, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The historic regeneration of Salford Quays is one of our city’s greatest success stories [and] 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.
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“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.”
Salford Quays is excepted to double in size over the next decade.
He continued: “Through this vision, the Quays of 2030 will not just be the landmark destination for culture, entertainment, media and skills in the North West, it will also be a neighbourhood that echoes the vibrancy of its communities, is better connected to the waterfront, celebrates its rich history and makes space for everyone.”
MediaCityUK managing director Stephen Wild said the plans put “people at the centre”.
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He said the area was “already a fantastic place” with many homes, employment and learning opportunities “and an unrivalled waterside leisure and cultural offering”, but he was excited by the chance to “grow and develop the area”.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
16th March 2022 
