Plans to heat the waters of Salford Quays to “Mediterranean temperatures” all year round have taken an even more ambitious turn, with new details revealing the scheme could be powered by geothermal energy drilled deep beneath the city.
The project, first outlined as a way to transform the Quays into an “English Rhyl,” would now reportedly involve a network of boreholes reaching several kilometres underground to tap into naturally occurring heat. Engineers behind the concept say the system could sustainably maintain water temperatures of around 22°C—even in the middle of winter.
A spokesperson linked to the proposals said: “We’re literally bringing the heat up from beneath Salford. It’s an untapped resource. There’s no reason residents shouldn’t be paddleboarding in January in perfectly warm water.”
Under the expanded plans, sections of the Quays could be zoned for different “climates,” with one area described as “lightly tropical” and another reserved for “family-friendly shallow lagoons.” There are also early suggestions of artificial sand being imported from as far as Wigan to create a small urban beach, complete with deckchairs and seasonal palm tree installations.
The development is expected to tie into wider ambitions around MediaCityUK, where floating café terraces and waterside bars could extend directly over the heated water. One concept even proposes glass-bottom viewing pods so visitors can watch swimmers below while enjoying a drink.
Local businesses are said to be preparing for the shift, with rumours of paddleboard hire companies offering “sunrise sessions” throughout the winter months, and new ventures exploring open-water yoga, evening swims and even heated kayaking experiences—no wetsuits required.
Transport planners at Transport for Greater Manchester are also believed to be exploring themed tram services, with one idea involving “coastal-style announcements” and onboard sound effects and tacky Europop music to enhance the seaside illusion on the approach to the Quays.
But perhaps the most eyebrow-raising element is a reported feasibility study into introducing genetically engineered “temperature-responsive fish,” capable of adapting to the warmer conditions by changing colours dependant on the temperature, alongside a pilot scheme encouraging “leisure-friendly wildlife zones, where visitors can feed chips to the seaguls”.
Reaction from residents has predictively been mixed. While some have welcomed the creativity, others remain sceptical. One local said: “If they start drilling into the earth under Salford and it ends up like a volcano, I’m moving.” A Local historian and part time journalist said: “I dunno what the council is playing at, we could unleash something from the dark recesses of the earth that we are not able to deal with, have they not seen Godzilla?”
Despite the questions, those behind the project insist the idea is being taken seriously, with further updates expected soon.
And if it all comes together, Salford could soon boast not only one of the most unique waterfronts in the country – but the only place you’ll need sunglasses, a paddleboard and possibly a geologist to enjoy a day out.
