Chapman Taylor advises Peel on e-karting leisure complex at Quayside MediaCity

Chapman Taylor is advising Peel Retail & Leisure on innovative proposals for a major new leisure destination at Quayside, forming part of a £10 million investment.

Chapman Taylor is advising Peel Retail & Leisure on proposals for a major new leisure destination at Quayside MediaCity, as part of a £10 million investment to reposition the waterfront scheme in Salford.

The plans seek to transform the underutilised upper level of the two-storey shopping centre, replacing around 75,000 sq ft of vacant space and the existing food court with approximately 100,000 sq ft of new leisure accommodation. The remodelled upper mall would deliver two units of around 27,000 sq ft and a third, larger 35,000 sq ft unit, for which Peel has already agreed terms with an e-karting operator.

The new e-karting attraction would sit alongside Quayside’s growing leisure line-up, including Virgin Active gym, Vue cinema and Oxygen trampoline park, further strengthening the centre’s appeal as a family-friendly destination. The rationalisation of the food court will also support Kargo MKT, the region’s largest food hall, located on the ground floor.

Overall, the proposals would increase Quayside’s lettable area by approximately 26,000 sq ft, delivering a more efficient layout and creating a clear leisure-led identity on the upper level, with a concentrated retail mix retained on the lower floor. Enhancements to pedestrian flow, accessibility and car park facilities also form part of the vision.

A spokesperson for Quayside commented:
“Peel Retail & Leisure, which owns and operates Quayside, has submitted planning applications for up to £10m of further investment at the waterfront shopping destination. The proposals are the next step in realising the new vision for Quayside focused on community retail and leisure. Subject to planning, the next phase of investment would prioritise a remodelled upper mall to create three larger leisure units, alongside improvements to pedestrian flow, accessibility, and car park facilities.”

The proposals follow significant recent investment at Quayside, including the opening of Kargo MKT, Brewski’s Big Tray BBQ, Oxygen indoor trampoline park, TeeClub indoor golf and the UCFB University campus.

The application, advised by Chapman Taylor alongside Alder King, can be viewed on Salford City Council’s planning portal under reference PA/2025/1808.