A major £10 million redevelopment has been proposed for the Quayside shopping centre in Salford, aiming to transform it into a leading leisure and entertainment destination for the North West.
From Retail to Leisure: The £10m Vision
Property giant Peel Retail and Leisure, which owns and operates the centre, has submitted detailed planning applications to Salford City Council. The ambitious scheme focuses on repurposing the largely vacant upper level, including the existing food court and empty shop units.
The centrepiece of the proposal is a new indoor electric go-karting venue, designed to attract thrill-seekers. Planning documents also hint at further family entertainment options, with concept imagery suggesting a bowling alley and immersive experience zones.
Aligning with Salford's 2030 Vision
The plans are strategically aligned with the council's own vision for Salford Quays up to the year 2030. The goal is to create a lively and vibrant town centre at the heart of the waterfront, focused on providing activities for both residents and visitors.
John-Paul Atley, co-chair of the Salford Quays Community Forum, expressed strong support. "We're hugely supportive of these plans," he said, noting that the arrival of the Kargo foodhall had already made a significant positive difference. He added that post-pandemic, residents are seeking "the complete package where they live," integrating housing and leisure, rather than feeling like a "satellite to Manchester city centre."
Noise Concerns and Existing Offerings
Anticipating potential concerns, a planning report specifically addresses noise from the proposed go-karting facility. It states that the indoor location would prevent any adverse noise pollution effects on the surrounding area.
Quayside already boasts several popular leisure outlets, including a Virgin Active gym, a Vue cinema, and the Oxygen trampoline park. The lower floor is home to the Kargo MKT food hall. This new investment seeks to elevate the entire upper mall to match these high-quality offerings.
A spokesperson for Quayside confirmed the plans are the "next step in realising the new vision for Quayside focused on community retail and leisure." Subject to planning permission, the work will remodel the upper mall into three larger leisure units and improve pedestrian flow, accessibility, and car park facilities.
The spokesperson added that advanced discussions are underway with leading leisure and retail operators, with announcements expected in the coming months. This proposed investment is described as "transformational," intended to modernise the centre and secure its pivotal role in the Quays town centre for years to come.
