A major transformation of Quayside in Salford Quays has been approved, paving the way for two high-profile leisure operators to take over the majority of newly refurbished space.

Salford City Council has given the green light to Peel Retail & Leisure’s £10m plans to repurpose former retail units, as the destination continues its shift away from traditional shopping.

The approval will see Hollywood Bowl occupy 33,000 sq ft, while Hyperdrive Karting has agreed to take 47,000 sq ft. Together, the deals account for the majority of 100,000 sq ft of space being brought back into use.

Work to remodel the upper floors of Quayside is expected to begin this summer.

Paul Phelan, chief executive of Hyperdrive, said the new venue would build on the success of the Ultimate Karting Championship brand.

“Hyperdrive is the natural evolution of everything we’ve built through Ultimate Karting Championship,” he said. “We’ve seen first-hand the demand for high-quality racing experiences, and now we’re bringing that to life in a completely new way. This is more than just a karting track, it’s a social destination where motorsport and entertainment collide.”

Stephen Burns, chief executive of Hollywood Bowl, said the company was eager to be part of Quayside’s next chapter.

“We’re thrilled to be joining Quayside at such a pivotal point in its transformation,” he said. “The significant investment and clear focus on experience-led uses align strongly with our strategy, and we see this as a great opportunity to deliver a high-quality bowling and entertainment offer within a growing leisure destination in Salford Quays.”

The latest plans form part of a broader repositioning of Quayside, with around 75,000 sq ft of vacant retail space—including the food court—being repurposed.

In recent years, attractions such as Oxygen trampoline park, Tee Club, and the Kargo food hall have already diversified the centre’s offer. Existing tenants also include Virgin Active and Vue Cinemas.

Ben Hey, asset director at Peel Retail & Leisure, described the approval as a key moment for the area.

“The approval of Quayside’s planning marks a major milestone for Salford Quays,” he said. “It signals the start of a transformational new era for Quayside focused on a leisure-led and community retail offering.

“Hollywood Bowl and Hyperdrive Karting as our two new major leisure occupiers showcases the momentum behind the new plans of how Quayside will play a significant role in bringing the Quays town centre up to modern day standards.”