Waterfront pop-up shipping container units for food and drink independents approved at Media City

A waterfront development aimed at championing "up and coming food and drink independents" has been given the go-ahead. The £5m development at Media City is a scaled-back alternative to an original £26m proposal.

It will see Quayside, the location's southern canal side walkway next to The Lowry theatre transformed. Developers, Peel Land and Property, say the first traders will be operating by Christmas, with "start up brands" in six units created from shipping containers.

Overlooking the iconic view of Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium, The Millennium Bridge and the Imperial War Museum, there will be new terraces for outdoor dining and "attractive landscaping."

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There will be an independent food hall and community space "which will provide a platform for start-ups as well as nurture and support new, homegrown talent," say Peel.

It is part of Peel's five-year redevelopment plan for Quayside MediaCity with works due to commence within weeks. Currently, as part of the plans, the food court is being upgraded and given a fresh new overhaul and will be complete by early summer.

Stephen Wild, Peel L&P’s Director for Strategic Investment and Growth said: “We’re excited to be given the go ahead on what will give residents, workers and visitors to the Quays and MediaCity a stunning, new space overlooking the waterfront to dine, have a drink or buy local produce.

“Our local residents wanted to see a more independent offering and we’re looking forward to providing a platform for exciting, new brands from the locality and wider region.”

Peel L&P’s revised planning submission for the waterfront dining destination followed the