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”.
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Two more people arrested as investigation into Dovestone Reservoir moorland fire continues
Emily Sergeant
Two more people have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the devastating moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir.
Yesterday (16 July 2026), a 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been bailed pending further police enquiries, before a man in his 20s has today (17 July) been arrested on suspicion of arson, and remains in custody for questioning.
These follow the arrest and subsequent charging of 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde.
Care-Slede has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and was remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this past Tuesday (14 July).
After the blaze broke out this past Saturday evening (11 July) at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
With three major arrests having already now been made, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says its officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
“This investigation has been progressing at pace, we are nearly a week on and the fire at Dovestones is still ongoing, and it has had devastating effects it has had on the Reservoir,” commented Detective Inspector Andrew Day, of GMP’s Oldham division said.
“As this incident continues, officers would like to thank all emergency service partners for their support and dedication.
“In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions.”
Emily Sergeant -
16th March 2022 
