The Quays
Shopping Center | Manchester | England | United Kingdom
Outlet shopping center Manchester
"The Quays" Shopping Centre in Manchester, England, is a significant retail destination located in the heart of Salford Quays, a revitalized dock area along the Manchester Ship Canal in Greater Manchester. Originally opened in 1999 as the "Lowry Outlet Mall," it was later renamed "Quayside MediaCityUK" and finally "The Quays" to highlight its role as a central shopping and leisure destination in the region. The centre is situated close to MediaCityUK, one of Europe's largest media and creative hubs, and is part of a larger regeneration project that has transformed the formerly rundown docks into a modern cultural and commercial district. With a retail space of approximately 32,500 square meters, "The Quays" attracts millions of visitors annually and is known as Manchester's only outlet shopping centre.
Leisure activities at The Quays
"The Quays" features over 85 stores across two levels, specializing in outlet shopping. Visitors can find a variety of brands, including fashion labels like Gap, Superdry, Bench, Crew Clothing, and Flannels, as well as home and beauty brands such as The Body Shop, The Works, and Yankee Candle. The centre's concept is based on discounts of up to 60% off regular prices, made possible through the sale of out-of-season merchandise, surplus stock, or items specifically produced for outlets. In addition to the permanent retail stores, there are regularly changing pop-up shops and seasonal offerings that keep the shopping experience fresh and varied. This selection makes the centre particularly appealing to bargain hunters and fashion-conscious shoppers seeking high-quality products at reduced prices.
Unique dining options at The Quays
Beyond shopping, "The Quays" is a versatile leisure destination. It features a large food court with approximately 400 seats, offering a wide range of dining options, including international chains like Nando's, Subway, and Costa Coffee. This variety caters to different tastes and invites visitors to combine their shopping day with a meal. Additionally, there is a Vue cinema with seven screens showcasing modern blockbusters, as well as Oxygen Activeplay, an indoor play zone with trampolines, climbing walls, and interactive challenges, particularly appealing to families. This combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment makes "The Quays" a place that offers much more than just a shopping trip.
Modern architecture Salford Quays
The architecture of the centre is modern and functional, focusing on open, light-filled spaces. It is situated right by the waters of the Manchester Ship Canal, providing a picturesque backdrop and emphasizing the region's history as a former port. The area around "The Quays" is enriched by its proximity to cultural highlights such as The Lowry, a renowned arts and theatre centre, and the Imperial War Museum North, whose spectacular architecture attracts visitors from around the world. The location in Salford Quays, just about 15 minutes from Manchester city centre, enhances the appeal of the centre as part of a larger experience area.
Shopping and entertainment Manchester
"The Quays" is excellently connected to the transport network. It offers extensive parking facilities, including a multi-storey car park that allows overnight parking. Public transport connections are provided by the Manchester Metrolink, with three nearby stations—MediaCityUK, Harbour City, and Broadway—offering quick access to Manchester city centre and other parts of the region. This accessibility attracts not only local visitors but also day-trippers from surrounding towns and tourists looking to take advantage of the proximity to attractions such as Old Trafford or the Coronation Street Experience.
Throughout its history, "The Quays" has undergone several changes. After its opening as part of the McArthurGlen group, it changed ownership multiple times, including to Intu Properties, which operated it as "Intu Quayside" from 2013 until its insolvency in 2020. After 2020, Savills took over management while the strategic development is overseen by Media City Salford Limited. These transitions reflect the centre's adaptation to the evolving retail landscape, with an increasing focus on experiences and leisure to compete with the growing trend of online shopping.
Despite its success, there are challenges. Some visitors have noted that the number of vacant retail units has increased in recent years, which could be attributed to the general decline of brick-and-mortar retail. Critics also view the centre as a factor contributing to the decline of smaller local shops in Salford and surrounding areas, as it draws customers away from traditional shopping streets. Nevertheless, "The Quays" remains an economic and social hub, engaging the community through events such as seasonal markets and children's activities.
