Case study: Salford Quays

Where is Salford Quays?

Manchester ship canals in west Manchester, Northern England

What factors led to Salford Quays early industrial growth?

- It was an ideal location for trade as it was on the Manchester ship canals which linked the docks into the open sea, making it easy for big container ships to come in & out

- During the industrial revolution, thousands of factories were built there due to its ideal location, increasing the employment & wealth of the area & making it the 3rd largest port in the UK

When did Salford Quays experience an economic decline?

1960 - 1980

(1982 the docks shut)

What factors led to Salford Quays economic decline?

- Deindustrialisation as it caused most of the factories in Salford Quays to close

- Containerisation & the development of modern ships as these new boats were too big to fit though the narrow canals & the roads too small for lorries, cutting Salford Quays off from trade, its main source of income

What problems did Salford Quays economic decline create?

- The loss of 3000 jobs, leading to high unemployment rates

- Increased crime & poverty

- Closed factories & empty warehouses becoming derelict with large amounts of wasteland

- Pollution

When did Salford Quays begin to regrow & develop?

1985

What developments have been made in the regrowth of Salford Quays?

Development of the Metro line → makes Salford Quays more accessible, improves air quality

Derelict wasteland replaced with green spaces & parks → makes Salford Quays a more attractive place to live

Pollution & waterways cleaned → combats environmental issues

Media City employed over 10,000 people & added £1 billion to the regional economy → helps to decrease unemployment & poverty rates

Development of the Lowrie Centre → offers more job opportunities, attracts tourists who make the economy wealthier

What are some negatives aspects of the developments made towards Salford Quays regrowth?

- Most new jobs were in the tertiary sector & required technical skills & qualifications, making them unsuitable for former dock workers

- The development of new housing & leisure places caused an increase in population, leading to more traffic & congestion

- Some of the new developments were very expensive which meant that some people could not afford to live there

- The increase in green spaces prevented some other developments taking place such as new housing for immigrants