Quayside has secured planning approval for a major new phase of investment which will transform Salford’s unique waterside destination into a leading regional leisure and community retail hub.
The new plans will deliver 100,000 sqft of leisure space, with two leisure operators already secured for 80,000 sqft including Hollywood Bowl and Hyperdrive Karting, underlining strong occupier demand for the future of Quayside. The initial phase represents an investment of approximately £10 million, with total planned investment across the wider scheme reaching up to £16 million.
Taking 47,000 sqft Hyperdrive Karting will be an immersive, next-generation indoor karting concept, combining high-performance electric karts with enhanced racing experiences. At the heart of Hyperdrive is a cutting-edge circuit designed, manufactured, and installed by globally renowned karting specialists 360 Karting – the industry leaders responsible for delivering some of the most innovative and technically advanced karting tracks in the world. Hollywood Bowl will occupy a 33,000 sqft space mixing bowling and arcades, as well as adding to Quayside’s growing food and drink offering. Together, they will help create a compelling, all-day leisure-led destination designed to drive footfall, repeat visits and appeal to visitors of all ages.
Ben Hey, Asset Director at Peel Retail and Leisure who own and operate Quayside said: “The approval of Quayside’s planning marks a major milestone for Salford Quays. It signals the start of a transformational new era for Quayside focussed on a leisure-led and community retail offering. Hollywood Bowl and Hyperdrive Karting as our two new major leisure occupiers showcases the momentum behind the new plans of how Quayside will play a significant role in bringing the Quays town centre up to modern day standards.”
Paul Phelan, CEO of Hyperdrive, said: “Hyperdrive is the natural evolution of everything we’ve built through UKC (Ultimate Karting Championship). We’ve seen first-hand the demand for high quality racing experiences, and now we’re bringing that to life in a completely new way. This is more than just a karting track, it’s a social destination where motorsport and entertainment collide. Whether you’re a serious racer looking to progress in the sport, or simply out for an incredible experience with friends, Hyperdrive will deliver something truly unique.”
Stephen Burns, CEO of Hollywood Bowl said: “We’re thrilled to be joining Quayside at such a pivotal point in its transformation. The significant investment and clear focus on experience-led uses align strongly with our strategy, and we see this as a great opportunity to deliver a high-quality bowling and entertainment offer within a growing leisure destination in Salford Quays.”
The approved plans propose a remodelled upper mall focused on leisure uses, delivering larger-format units designed for experience-led operators. Retail space will be concentrated in the lower mall, alongside upgrades to accessibility, pedestrian flow and car parking.
This next phase builds on recent success at Quayside, including the opening of Kargo MKT, Brewski’s Big Tray BBQ, Oxygen indoor activity park and TeeClub, which have helped reposition the destination towards leisure and community-focused uses.
Development work will commence for the new era of Quayside in Summer.
