Using the Park Now
Irwell River Park will create an internationally recognised 8km stretch of waterfront destination. New waterside spaces will become the stages for cultural and social events, meeting places, spaces to enjoy, explore and relax. New walkways, bridges and cycleways are already underway and a number of activities already take place along its banks.
The River Irwell is home to Salford Watersports Centre, a state-of-the-art watersports and outdoor activities centre located on Salford Quays. The river is also used daily by rowers and anglers and plays host to water-based events such as the Manchester Dragon Boat Race and the Two Cities Boat Race
As the Irwell River Park project progresses there will be more and more to do and enjoy in the area. To find out more about the activities already taking place at the Park visit the explore section of this website.
Unlocking the Quays
With the support of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Lowry has launched a large-scale art project focusing on its immediate surroundings on Salford Quays. The Quays is at the heart of the history of the City of Salford. Its past, however, is currently invisible to visitors to the area, with no remaining significant evidence of the heritage and importance of the location. The Unlocking the Quays project aims to creatively explore this heritage and bring it back into focus. The project will rediscover the disappearing history of Salford Quays by exploring the people, past and traditional industries of the area and the stories it holds. By celebrating this heritage, Unlocking the Quays aims to ensure it lives on.
Getting Involved
For the past few months the team behind Unlocking the Quays has been engaging with schools, community groups, local artists and historians to research and identify fascinating stories and historical facts about The Quays.
Now these pieces of history have been unlocked, the project is giving participants the chance to work collaboratively with artists to develop a piece of public art which will form part of a trail on Salford Quays. The artwork will incorporate key themes of the heritage which has been discovered.
By representing the heritage in this way, Unlocking the Quays aims to make the history of The Quays accessible and of interest to the wider community and to celebrate the regeneration of the area.
If you would like to get involved or find out more information about Unlocking the Quays, please contact the team by email: lizzy.hewson@thelowry.com or by calling 0161 876 2019.
Case studies
The River Irwell is used on a daily basis by a variety of people. The team behind Irwell River Park has ensured these users have been part of the planning process from the conception of the Park.
The improvements Irwell River Park will deliver will not only open up the river to new groups of people but will enhance the river for the anglers, rowers and cyclists already using it. To see a who is using the park now visit the case studies page.
