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”.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces VAT cuts on household electricity bills over winter
Emily Sergeant
It’s been less than 24 hours since Andy Burnham officially became Prime Minister, and he’s already announced his first measure.
After giving his first speech as Prime Minister outside the doors of Number 10 yesterday, where he said he intended to ‘give people some breathing space’ straight out the gate, it has now been announced that millions of households across the UK will benefit from immediate action to help with their electricity bills this winter.
The Government says it wants to address the cost of living crisis first and foremost, and will do this by tackling rising bills with a tax cut to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, just in time to impact the next Ofgem price cap.
This immediate action applies and is funded for this financial year.
The cost of this immediate action for this financial year is being funded from the £1.8bn Digital ID programme – which Burnham also announced he would be scrapping.
Any further action – including on funding for longer-term measures – will be taken at the Budget, alongside an Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast, and all decisions at that point will continue to be funded with the Government’s fiscal rules, it has been confirmed.
Cutting VAT on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October, and this is on top of the £150 removed from bills at the last Budget.
All suppliers are expected to pass the VAT reduction on to all customers, including those on fixed tariffs.
Small businesses who qualify for the domestic energy VAT relief and are not registered for VAT, as well as charities and residential care homes eligible for the reduced rate, will also benefit.
“I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister. We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets, and bring back hope.”
England international and ex-Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75
Danny Jones
Football veteran and legend of the English game, Kevin Keegan OBE, has sadly died at the age of 75.
A former Liverpool and Newcastle player, not to mention England international, turned Manchester City manager and even Three Lions boss, his death was announced on Monday, 20 July.
The news comes following a battle with illness since the start of the year, after it was revealed that he was tragically diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer back in January.
The original ‘King Kev’ before the likes of De Bruyne, also affectionately known in the footballing world as ‘Mighty Mouse’, is said to have passed away with key members of his close family by his side.
Confirmed via a public statement issued to Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves, they wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. “Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather.”
Put simply, he had an incredible career and leaves a lasting legacy.
It goes on to read: “The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time, and they are requesting space and privacy.”
Naturally, tributes are already flooding in online, with ex-pros, pundits and fans alike labelling him among England’s best-loved father figures and characters, with one user notably dubbing him as “one of football’s good guys.”
Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, after battling cancer.
The England, Liverpool and Newcastle United legend will be remembered as one of English football's most decorated players. pic.twitter.com/oNIPUV806n
Even at his fiery and most passionate best, he was still one of the most respected figures in the history of English football and the sporting world at large.
For instance, arguably his most iconic interview as Newcastle boss ahead of his team’s clash against Manchester United back in 1995/96 only showed how mild-mannered he often came across.
Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, former teammates and all those mourning the familiar face with a famously good head of hair.
Emily Sergeant -
16th March 2022 
