Quayside MediaCityUK
Shopping Center | Salford | England | United Kingdom
Outlet shopping center in Salford
The Quayside MediaCityUK Shopping Centre in Salford, England, is a significant outlet shopping center and one of the main attractions in the revitalized dock area of Salford Quays, located right next to the modern MediaCityUK complex. It opened in 1999 as the "Lowry Outlet Mall" and was renamed "Quayside MediaCityUK" in 2020 as part of a rebranding effort to emphasize its close connection to the neighboring media and creative center. The center spans approximately 32,500 square meters of retail space across two levels and attracts millions of visitors each year. It is the only outlet shopping center in Manchester and is known for its year-round discounts of up to 60% off regular prices, made possible through the sale of off-season goods, excess stock, and items specifically produced for outlets.
Leisure and dining Salford Quays
Quayside MediaCityUK houses over 85 stores offering a wide range of retail options. Prominent brands include fashion labels such as Superdry, Gap, Bench, Crew Clothing, and Flannels, as well as cosmetic and household providers like The Body Shop, The Works, and Yankee Candle. There are also specialty shops like Claire’s for jewelry and accessories, as well as Beauty Outlet for affordable beauty products. Regularly, pop-up stores and seasonal offerings complement the range, making the shopping experience varied. This diversity appeals to both bargain hunters and shoppers looking for high-quality products, making the center a magnet for a broad audience.
Discounts at Quayside MediaCityUK
Beyond shopping, Quayside MediaCityUK is a versatile leisure and dining destination. The food court offers around 400 seats and features a range of restaurants and cafes, including well-known chains like Nando’s, Subway, Costa Coffee, and Harvester, serving a selection of international and British cuisine. Noteworthy is Central Bay, a new area available since 2022 that houses a Seven Brothers microbrewery and Kargo MKT – a food market with over 15 independent kitchens offering global street food specialties. Entertainment is provided by a Vue cinema with seven screens showing modern blockbusters, while The Gym fitness center and occasional Makers Markets featuring crafts and local products round out the leisure offerings.
Shopping and culture in Salford
Additionally, the area is home to cultural attractions like The Lowry, an arts and theater center, and the Imperial War Museum North. This combination of shopping, leisure, and culture makes Quayside an integral part of the tourist and social life in Salford Quays.
Transport connections Quayside shopping center
The center is well-connected to the transport network. It features a multi-storey car park with about 1,800 spaces, with rates adjusted since April 2024 to reduce commuter usage and prioritize customers. Public transport access is provided by the Manchester Metrolink with three nearby stations – MediaCityUK, Harbour City, and Broadway – allowing for a quick connection to central Manchester in approximately 15 minutes. This accessibility attracts both local visitors and day-trippers from Greater Manchester and beyond.
Throughout its history, Quayside MediaCityUK has undergone several changes. It was originally developed by the McArthurGlen Group and acquired in 2012 by Peel Group for around £70 million. From 2013 to 2020, it operated under Intu Properties as "Intu Quayside," before transitioning to Savills as administrator and Media City Salford Limited as strategic operator following Intu’s insolvency. The renaming and reorientation in 2020 reflect a focus on experiences and leisure to address the challenges posed by the growing online retail sector. Plans to double the size of MediaCityUK and Quayside by 2030, including 3,000 new homes and additional commercial space, indicate a continued importance in the region.
