Manchester’s Salford Quays is the UK’s fastest growing tourist destination according to a national report into Britain’s tourism industry.
More than 3.3million people visited the impressive cultural attractions at the historical waterfront location in 2013, spending an enormous £251.6million in the area.
According to Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) report, which assesses tourist activity in Britain, the number of jobs supported by tourism in The Quays increased by 12%.
The former hub of Manchester’s historical docks in Salford is home to a range of award-winning venues and attractions including the Imperial War Museum, Old Tafford and The Lowry, which were built on the site as part of a huge investment scheme in 2000.
Councillor Derek Antrobus, Salford’s Assistant Mayor and lead member for Strategic Planning said of the project: “It is no exaggeration to say that what has been achieved at Salford Quays represents one of the most extraordinary examples of regeneration that the UK has ever witnessed.
“Once polluted waterways and derelict wasteland have been transformed into a centre for commerce, retail, the arts and sports, while Salford Quays has also emerged as an attractive and desirable residential location, with a growing population.
“Salford Quays has now been re-established as an integral part of the region’s economy.”
An extensive tram network from Manchester City Centre and locations around the city has helped the regeneration project which, significantly, saw the £877million relocation of the majority of the BBC from London to a new, swanky complex in The Quay’s MediaCityUK in 2004.
The high cost of the move and the company’s failure to employ local members of the workforce have caused many to question whether the development has really benefitted the people in the surrounding area of Salford.
However, the remainder of the attractions at The Quay’s have been warmly received by businesses and residents who say it has boosted the local economy.
Graham Boxer, Director of IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums, said: “With some of the UK’s most iconic buildings and venues, The Quays has become a high quality visitor destination, so it was great to see visitor numbers increasing last year.
“There is even more we can do – a major programme of cultural activities, for example, will continue to make The Quays a must visit destination in the months and years ahead.”
To plan your visit to the Quays see www.thequays.org.uk
Image courtesy of David Mckelvey, with thanks
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