'Salford Quays is becoming a city centre which no one asked for'

Salford Quays could become an overdeveloped "supercity" in the next ten years, a councillor has warned.

Paul Heilbron, of Salford Lib Dems and a resident in the Quays, said plans to build thousands of homes in the area could change it beyond recognition, and leave residents without adequate public services.

Once a bustling centre of industry for the Manchester Ship Canal, the Quays was transformed in one of the UK's most successful regeneration projects after the closure of the docks in 1982.

READ MORE: Salford 'needs to build' new homes on green belt to tackle housing crisis, mayor says

Today, the area is recognised as a hub of culture and creativity, home to The Lowry and companies such as ITV and the BBC based around MediaCity.

Quays residents are mostly based in apartment blocks along the waterways, in what is considered to be a highly desirable part of Greater Manchester to live. It is also an area which draws tourism to the region, with a number of retail outlets as well as bars, restaurants, and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Salford Quays looks certain to grow in future, with plans for major housing schemes approved in MediaCity and Pier 7, and an application tabled to build a further 3,000 homes at the nearby Regent Retail Park, which is less than 10 minutes away by car. This is alongside plans for a £200-million redevelopment of Salford Soapworks bringing 450 apartments, and a scheme for more than 1,000 homes on Michigan Avenue.

But Mr Heilbron warned that Salford Quays residents are already struggling with a lack of local services, with just one medical centre serving the ward and trams "bursting" with commuters.

He said: "Salford Quays is going to be a city centre in the next five to ten years, but the