A City’s Dockland Reborn
Salford Quays in Manchester is the home of one of the first and largest urban regeneration projects in the United Kingdom. Formerly the site of Manchester Docks, and with the iconic Old Trafford stadium just across the water, the area is now a very lively and popular hotspot for culture and leisure.
The Lowry - named after L.S Lowry, a famous local artist from the early twentieth century - is a waterfront theatre and gallery complex considered to be the jewel in the Quay’s crown, and we are delighted to include a VIP visit in the itinerary for our Manchester course.
New Millennium, New Complex!
It all begins with an idea.
Though the idea for the regeneration of Manchester Docks came in the 1980’s, construction of The Lowry complex was not complete until 2000. However, with its impressive gallery, shopping mall, footbridge and two theatres, it breathed new life into the area and was considered by locals to be well worth the wait. Some 820,000 people are said to visit it each year.
The art gallery is one of the most iconic attractions, and it may not come as a surprise to learn that paintings by L.S Lowry make up the vast majority of its collection. These paintings - which often depict city scenes - help visitors to connect with and understand Manchester’s industrial past. Around 400 original works are on display, combined with other forms of multimedia designed to help bring the art to life.
The two theatres represent the other main attractions within the Lowry complex. The larger of the two is known as ‘The Lyric Theatre’ and the smaller ‘The Quays Theatre’. The Lyric Theatre is the largest theatre in the UK outside of London, and has seen some of the nation’s rising stars appear during the audition stages of Britain’s Got Talent.
Dining With A View
It all begins with an idea.
One of the more recent additions to The Lowry complex is Pier 8, a stylish bar and restaurant overlooking the water. From here you can take in stunning views of the Quays and MediaCityUK, a key base for many national media organisations including the BBC.
The restaurant opened in 2015 and has grown in popularity ever since. It offers a range of meat-based and vegetarian dishes, and you can experience it during the second evening of our Manchester course.
With so much interesting art, history and life to see, it is fair to say that there is something for everybody at The Lowry.