List of tallest buildings and structures in Salford
This list of the tallest buildings and structures in borough of Salford, Greater Manchester ranks buildings in the city by height.
Salford currently has one tower completed at a height of 100 metres or more and a further two towers above 100 metres under construction. Salford is part of the Central Manchester region which has 15 towers either built or under construction over 100 metres, by far the highest number of towers in any metropolitan area in the United Kingdom outside Greater London.
At 73 metres Salford Cathedral was the tallest building in Salford for 118 years following its construction in 1848. However it wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that the first tall building boom in Salford occurred. During this period a number of mid rise brutalist residential buildings were constructed, predominantly in the Pendleton area of the city as a means to house significant populations affected by industrial decline. In 1966 the 80 metre City Central tower finally overtook Salford Cathedral as the tallest building in the city.
Through the 1980s and 1990s few significant proposals came to fruition. However, there has been a renewed interest in skyscrapers in Salford in the past two decades with a number of proposals being brought forward. Significant proposals included the 179 metre Greengate Tower and the 160 metre Canopus Tower A, both in the Greengate area of the city in Central Manchester, which would have been the tallest towers in Salford and the city's first official skyscrapers if built. However due to economic factors in 2008 these towers along with a number of other significant proposals were never built.
Unlike most major cities in the United Kingdom, there are no height restrictions and local planning officers generally adopt a laissez-faire attitude towards city centre high rises in Salford. Media City in the Salford Quays area of the city has been at the forefront of development in the last ten years with a number of mid rise towers being completed. These include the 90 metre Blue, MediaCityUK which became the tallest building in the city in 2010, the X1 Media City collection of four 86 metre towers and the 82 metre TheHeart, MediaCity UK.
Into the 2020s, Salford Quays will continue to be an important growth district for Salford with two further tower cluster emerging in Cotton Quay and in the second phase of the X1 development in Media city. The Cotton Quay development will see a collection of six towers over 50 metres constructed including the 158 metre Tower One which will become the second tallest building in Salford when completed. The second phase of the X1 development will see five towers constructed, including three over 100 metres. The tallest tower in this development will be Tower 1 which at 125 metres is due to become the sixth tallest building in Salford when completed. If all future plans come to fruition then Salford Quays will contain one skyscraper over 150 metres and five further high rises over 100 metres.
The Greengate area of Salford is the second major development area for the city of Salford. Its advantageous location in the heart of Central Manchester and relative underdevelopment over the preceding decades means that a number of significant new proposals have come forward. In 2018 the 130 metre Anaconda Cut became the tallest building in the city and the first building in Salford to reach a height of over 100 metres.
If all future plans come to fruition then Greengate will feature two skyscrapers over 150 metres and six further high rises over 100 metres. The biggest development proposal is the One Heritage Tower which when completed in 2024, at 173 metres will become the tallest building in Salford, third tallest in Greater Manchester and fourth tallest in the United Kingdom outside London after the 213 metre Trinity Tower X and the 201 metre Deansgate Square South Tower, both in the adjacent Castlefield area of Manchester and the 193 metre 100 Broad Street Tower in Birmingham.
One Heritage lies in close proximity to Anaconda Cut and will be joined by the three Greengate Park North towers, the tallest of which will reach 155 metres. With the proposed 112 metre Gorton Street Tower and the under construction 112 metre Affinity Living Riverview and the 110 metre Irwell Towers, Greengate will soon have a coherent cluster of towers over 100 metres alongside numerous smaller towers, further expanding Central Manchester out westwards.
If all future proposals come to fruition, Salford could contain 90 buildings over 50 metres tall as well as 14 high rises above 100 metres and 3 skyscrapers over 150 metres. When considered with Manchester with which it shares a central city region, the area will contain 41 high rises over 100 metres, by far the highest in the United Kingdom outside London. If considered separately from Manchester, then at Salford will contain the fourth highest number of high rises of any city in the United Kingdom after Greater London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Tallest buildings and structures
This list ranks externally complete buildings and free-standing structures in Salford, Greater Manchester that stand at least, based on standard height measurement. This includes spires and architectural details but does not include antenna masts.An equals sign following a rank indicates the same height between two or more buildings. The "Year" column indicates the year in which a building was completed. Buildings that have been demolished are not included.
Completed
Tallest buildings and structures
Under construction
This lists buildings that are under construction in Salford, Greater Manchester and are planned to rise at least. Under construction buildings that have already been topped out are listed above.| Rank | Name | Image | Height m | Floors | Year | Primary Use | Location | Notes |
| 1 | Affinity Living Riverview | 112 | 35 | 2021 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in November 2016 with initial construction starting in July 2017, Affinity Living Riverview is a major residential construction in the Greengate area of Central Manchester on the banks of the river Irwell which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. When completed in 2021 it will become the eleventh tallest building in Manchester. Construction is currently taking place with its sister building, Affinity Living Riverside which is due to complete in 2020. | |
| 2 | Irwell Tower, The Residence | 110 | 34 | 2021 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in September 2016 with initial construction starting in July 2017, The Irwell Tower is a major residential construction in the Greengate area of Central Manchester, an area earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. When completed in 2021 it will become the twelfth tallest building in Manchester. | |
| 3= | X1 Media City Tower 3 | 86 | 26 | 2022 | Residential | Salford Quays | The X1 Media City development is a construction of four identical residential towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. Two buildings currently completed, two more under construction. | |
| 3= | X1 Media City Tower 4 | 86 | 26 | 2022 | Residential | Salford Quays | The X1 Media City development is a construction of four identical residential towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. Two buildings currently completed, two more under construction. | |
| 5 | Regent Plaza Tower 1 | 81 | 27 | 2022 | Residential | Ordsall | Approved in November 2016 with initial construction starting in August 2019, Regent Plaza is a major residential scheme located on Regent Road in the western gateway to Central Manchester. Regent plaza will deliver 585 apartments over five towers. | |
| 6= | Plot C, Stanley Street Tower 1 | 73 | 23 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in July 2019 with initial construction starting in March 2020, Stanley Street development is due to deliver three towers in the Greengate area of Central Manchester, an area earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. It will deliver 375 apartments when completed. Constructed is expected to start in 2021. | |
| 6= | Plot C, Stanley Street Tower 2 | 73 | 23 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in July 2019 with initial construction starting in March 2020, Stanley Street development is due to deliver three towers in the Greengate area of Central Manchester, an area earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. It will deliver 375 apartments when completed. Constructed is expected to start in 2021. | |
| 8 | Outwood Wharf Tower 1 | 70 | 23 | 2021 | Residential | Ordsall | Approved in November 2018 with initial construction starting in June 2019, Outwood Wharf Tower 1 is a significant residential development located in Ordsall close to the University of Salford. A smaller 18 storey sister tower was completed in 2018 before construction of the taller tower commenced. | |
| 9 | Affinity Living Riverside | 57 | 17 | 2020 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in November 2016 with initial construction starting in July 2017, Affinity Living Riverside is the smaller tower in a major residential construction on the banks of the River Irwell in the Greengate area of Central Manchester, an area earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. Construction is currently taking place with its sister building, Affinity Living Riverview which is due to complete in 2021. | |
| 10= | Affinity Living Embankment West Tower 1 | 54 | 18 | 2021 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in November 2017 with initial construction starting in March 2018, Affinity Living Embankment West Towers 1 & 2 are the tallest in a collection of three towers under construction in the Greengate area of Central Manchester, an area earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. The scheme will be home to 350 apartments when completed. | |
| 10= | Affinity Living Embankment West Tower 2 | 54 | 18 | 2021 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in November 2017 with initial construction starting in March 2018, Affinity Living Embankment West Towers 1 & 2 are the tallest in a collection of three towers under construction in the Greengate area of Central Manchester, an area earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. The scheme will be home to 350 apartments when completed. | |
| 10= | Regent Plaza Tower 2 | 54 | 23 | 2022 | Residential | Ordsall | Approved in November 2016 with initial construction starting in August 2019, Regent Plaza is a major residential scheme located on Regent Road in the western gateway to Central Manchester. Regent plaza will deliver 585 apartments over five towers. | |
| 13 | True Student, Discovery Quay Tower 1 | 52 | 15 | 2021 | Student Accommodation | Salford Quays | Approved in January 2018 with initial construction starting in June 2018 True Student, Discovery Quay Tower 1 is the larger tower in the Discovery Quay development. When completed it will be the equal fifth tallest student accommodation building in Manchester. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 14 | 2 New Bailey Square | 51 | 11 | 2021 | Office | Greengate | Approved in October 2016 with initial construction starting in June 2017, 2 New Bailey Square is a promintent office development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester, an area earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. |
Approved
This lists buildings that are approved for construction in Salford, Greater Manchester and are planned to rise at least. If approved projects do not start construction within five years of their approval date they are assumed to be no longer active and considered 'unbuilt' unless further information is available.| Rank | Name | Image | Height m | Floors | Year | Primary Use | Location | Notes |
| 1 | One Heritage Tower | 173 | 55 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in January 2020, One Heritage Tower is a major skyscraper development. When constructed it will become the third tallest building in Manchester. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 2 | Greengate Park North Tower 1 | 155 | 52 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in March 2020, Greengate Park North Tower 1 is the largest tower in a collection of three towers in Central Manchester. When constructed it will become the eighth tallest building in Manchester. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 3 | Greengate Park North Tower 2 | 126 | 42 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in March 2020, Greengate Park North Tower 2 is the second largest tower in a collection of three towers in Central Manchester. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 4 | Greengate Park North Tower 3 | 123 | 41 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in March 2020, Greengate Park North Tower 3 is the smallest tower in a collection of three towers in Central Manchester. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 5 | Anchorage Gateway, Anchorage Quay | 101 | 31 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Approved in November 2019, Anchorage Gateway in Anchorage Quay is a major planned development in Salford Quays. Anchorage Gateway is part of Media City, the development of which is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. It will deliver nearly 400 apartments when completed. Construction is expected to start in 2021. | |
| 6 | Wavelength, Furnace Quay | 79 | 27 | 2023 | Residential | Salford Quays | Approved in April 2017, Wavelength, Furnace Key is a significant residential development to be constructed by DeTrafford. Wavelength, Furnace Quay is part of Media City, the development of which is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. It will deliver around 500 apartments when completed. Construction is expected to start in 2020. | |
| 7 | Exchange Quay Tower 1 | 75 | 23 | 2023 | Residential | Salford Quays | Approved in May 2016, Exchange Quay Tower 1 is a significant residential development in Salford Quays. It is part of Media City, the development of which is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. Current status of the scheme is unclear with little to no activity since planning approval was gained. | |
| 8 | River Plaza, Derwent Street | 67 | 21 | 2023 | Residential | Ordsall | Approved in March 2018, River Plaza is a significant residential development located on Regent Road in the western gateway to Central Manchester. Site works began in early 2019 but development since stopped. Current status of the scheme is unclear with little activity on site. |
Proposed
This lists buildings that are proposed for construction in Salford, Greater Manchester and are planned to rise at least. If proposed projects are not approved within five years of their proposal date they are assumed to be no longer active and considered 'unbuilt' unless further information is available.| Rank | Name | Image | Height m | Floors | Year | Primary Use | Location | Notes |
| 1 | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 1 | 158 | 48 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. When constructed, Tower 1 will become the equal sixth tallest building in Manchester. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 2 | X1 Media City II, Salford Quays Tower 1 | 127 | 41 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in December 2018, X1 Media City II, located on Michigan Avenue, is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. When constructed, Tower 1 will become the eighteenth tallest building in Manchester. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 3 | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 2 | 123 | 37 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. When constructed, Tower 2 will become the equal twentieth tallest building in Manchester. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 4 | Gorton Street Tower, Greengate | 112 | 36 | 2025 | Residential | Greengate | Proposed in September 2019, Gorton Street Tower, Greengate is a major co-living residential skyscraper proposal. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 5 | X1 Media City II, Salford Quays Tower 2 | 109 | 35 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in December 2018, X1 Media City II, located on Michigan Avenue, is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 6 | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 3 | 99 | 31 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 7 | X1 Media City II, Salford Quays Tower 3 | 97 | 31 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in December 2018, X1 Media City II, located on Michigan Avenue, is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 8 | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 4 | 92 | 27 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 9 | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 5 | 80 | 25 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 10 | Church Street, Eccles Tower | 69 | 23 | 2024 | Residential | Eccles | Proposed in December 2018, Church Street Tower is a modern residential proposal that will deliver 270 apartments. It will become the tallest building in the western suburb of Eccles. | |
| 11= | 1 Albert Street, Eccles Tower | 66 | 22 | 2024 | Residential | Eccles | Proposed in September 2019, 1 Albert Street Tower is a modern residential proposal that will deliver 150 apartments. It will become the second tallest building in the western suburb of Eccles. | |
| 11= | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 6 | 66 | 21 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 13 | Ralli Quays Tower 1 | 64 | 16 | 2025 | Hotel | New Bailey | Proposed in May 2020 is a significant planned development in the New Bailey area of Central Manchester. The proposal covers two separate towers, a 16 storey 290 bed hotel and a 14 story office tower. | |
| 14 | 55 Queen Street | 58 | 19 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Proposed in January 2020, 55 Queen Street is a significant residential proposal. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 15 | Ralli Quays Tower 2 | 56 | 14 | 2025 | Office | New Bailey | Proposed in May 2020 is a significant planned development in the New Bailey area of Central Manchester. The proposal covers two separate towers, a 16 storey 290 bed hotel and a 14 story office tower. | |
| 16 | BT Building | 55 | 12 | 2025 | Office | New Bailey | Proposed in May 2020 is a significant planned office development in the New Bailey area of Central Manchester. | |
| 17 | Plot D3, Media City Tower 1 | 51 | 17 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Plot D3, Media City Tower 1 is a significant residential proposal. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. |
Tallest buildings and structures
Unbuilt
This lists proposals for the construction of buildings in Salford, Greater Manchester that were planned to rise at least, for which planning permission was rejected or which were otherwise withdrawn.| Rank | Name | Image | Height m | Floors | Year | Primary Use | Location | Notes |
| 1 | Greengate Tower | 179 | 62 | 2009 | Residential | Greengate | Proposed in 2006, Greengate Tower was a major skyscraper proposed for the Greengate area of Central Manchester. At the time, if built it would have been the tallest building in Greater Manchester. The project was cancelled in 2009 before construction begun in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 2 | Canopus Tower A | 160 | 36 | 2008 | Residential | Greengate | Proposed in 2006, Canopus was a major £180m development project consisting of two towers in the Greengate area of Central Manchester. The tallest tower would have reached 160 metres to become one of the tallest in Greater Manchester and would have featured a luxury rooftop swimming pool. The towers were cancelled in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 3 | Canopus Tower B | 109 | 31 | 2008 | Residential | Greengate | Proposed in 2006, Canopus was a major £180m development project consisting of two towers in the Greengate area of Central Manchester. The smaller tower would have reached 109 metres to become one of the tallest in Greater Manchester. The towers were cancelled in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 4 | Vista Tower, Clippers Quay | 107 | 34 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in 2018, Vista Tower was a significant residential development proposed for Salford Quays delivering over 200 apartments. The planning application was subsequently withdrawn in 2019. | |
| 5= | Man Yoo Tower 1 | 89 | 27 | 2009 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in 2007, the Man Yoo scheme was a development of four residential towers each delivering over 200 apartments in Salford Quays. The scheme was eventually cancelled due to a lack of finance in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 5= | Man Yoo Tower 2 | 89 | 27 | 2009 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in 2007, the Man Yoo scheme was a development of four residential towers each delivering over 200 apartments in Salford Quays. The scheme was eventually cancelled due to a lack of finance in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 5= | Man Yoo Tower 3 | 89 | 27 | 2009 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in 2007, the Man Yoo scheme was a development of four residential towers each delivering over 200 apartments in Salford Quays. The scheme was eventually cancelled due to a lack of finance in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 5= | Man Yoo Tower 4 | 89 | 27 | 2009 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in 2007, the Man Yoo scheme was a development of four residential towers each delivering over 200 apartments in Salford Quays. The scheme was eventually cancelled due to a lack of finance in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 9 | Adelphi Street Development | 85 | 27 | 2003 | Residential | Blackfriars | Proposed in 2001, the Adelphi Street Development was a significant residential development delivering over 175 apartments in the Blackfiars area of Central Manchester. It was cancelled in 2008 due to a lack of funding. | |
| 10 | Fresh Phase 3 | 82 | 26 | 2008 | Office | Ordsall | Proposed in 2006, Fresh Phase 3 was a significant office proposal on Regent Road in the western gateway to Central Manchester. The scheme was pulled in the wake of the economic recession before construction began. | |
| 11 | The Beacon Block 1 | 80 | 28 | 2007 | Residential | Ordsall | Proposed in 2006, The Beacon Block 1 was a significant office proposal on Regent Road in the western gateway to Central Manchester. The scheme was pulled in the wake of the economic recession before construction began. | |
| 12 | Paloma Tower 1 | 79 | 26 | 2008 | Residential | Greengate | Proposed in 2006, Paloma Tower 1 was a significant development proposed for the Greengate area of Central Manchester. The project was cancelled in 2008 before construction begun in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 13 | The Regent | 73 | 23 | 2010 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in 2007, The Regent was a significant residential development proposed for Salford Quays. The scheme was eventually cancelled due to a lack of finance in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 14 | The Lowry Tower 3 | 70 | 21 | 2010 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in 2007, The Lowry Tower 3 was a significant residential development proposed for Salford Quays. The scheme was eventually cancelled due to a lack of finance in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 15 | Clippers Quay Tower | 69 | 24 | 2010 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in 2007, The Lowry Tower 3 was a significant residential development proposed for Salford Quays. The scheme was eventually cancelled due to a lack of finance in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 16 | The Crescent Block 5 | 64 | 20 | 2010 | Residential | Ordsall | Proposed in 2008, The Crescent was a significant residential scheme proposal in the Ordsall area of Central Manchester near the University of Salford. It would have delivered over 300 apartments. The scheme was cancelled before construction began due to a lack of funds in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 17 | Derwent Street Development | 60 | 20 | 2010 | Residential | Ordsall | Proposed in 2008, Derwent Street Development was a significant mixed use development situated in Ordsall, 1 mile south west of Central Manchester. The scheme was cancelled before construction began due to a lack of funds in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 18 | Pomona Island Block 5 | 56 | 16 | 2008 | Residential | Greengate | Proposed in 2006, Paloma Island Block 5 was a significant development proposed for the Greengate area of Central Manchester. The project was cancelled in 2008 before construction begun in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 19 | The Crescent Block 8 | 54 | 17 | 2010 | Residential | Ordsall | Proposed in 2008, The Crescent was a significant residential scheme proposal in the Ordsall area of Central Manchester near the University of Salford. It would have delivered over 300 apartments. The scheme was cancelled before construction began due to a lack of funds in the wake of economic recession. | |
| 20 | Pomona Island Block 4 | 50 | 14 | 2008 | Residential | Greengate | Proposed in 2006, Paloma Island Block 4 was a significant development proposed for the Greengate area of Central Manchester. The project was cancelled in 2008 before construction begun in the wake of economic recession. |
Demolished
This lists buildings in Salford, Greater Manchester that were at least 50 metres and have since been demolished.| Rank | Name | Image | Height m | Floors | Year | Year Demolished | Primary Use | Location | Notes |
| 1 | Sunnyside Court | 50 | 18 | 1972 | 1998 | Residential | Ordsall | Sunnyside court was a residential building constructed in Ordsall. It was demolished in 1998 to make way for new developments. |
Tallest buildings and structures
Timeline of tallest buildings and structures
After a period after the 1960s building boom where few new significant buildings were built in Salford, Greater Manchester, the early 21st century has seen a long list of proposals meaning the skyline has been transformed in recent decades. Salford Cathedral was the tallest building in Salford for 118 years until City Central was completed in 1966. The first tower over 100 metres was Anaconda Cut.| Years Tallest | Name | Image | Height m | Floors | Year | Primary Use | Location | Notes |
| 1848-1966 | Salford Cathedral | 73 | N/A | 1848 | Place Of Worship | Blackfriars | Was the tallest building in Greater Manchester upon its completion in 1848. Salford Cathedral is still a prominent building on the East Lancashire Road approaching Central Manchester. | |
| 1966-2010 | City Central | 80 | 25 | 1966 | Hotel | Greengate | Situated on the River Irwell in Central Manchester, North Tower is a prominent building in Greengate due to its elevated position and the third tallest hotel in Manchester. | |
| 2010-2018 | Blue, MediaCityUK | 90 | 18 | 2010 | Office | Salford Quays | Blue, MediaCityUK is currently the tallest building in Salford Quays. Blue is part of Media City, the development of which is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 2018-Present | Anaconda Cut | 131 | 44 | 2018 | Residential | Greengate | The fifth tallest building in Manchester and sixth tallest outside London. Currently the thirty-first tallest by height in the United Kingdom. 100 Greengate is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. |
Future Tallest
This lists the top 20 buildings in order of height in Salford, Greater Manchester that are either completed, under construction, approved or proposed. The imminent transformation of the Salford skyline is made clear with only four of the top 20 already constructed, with three under construction, five approved and eight proposed.| Rank | Name | Image | Height m | Floors | Year | Primary Use | Location | Notes |
| 1 | One Heritage Tower | 173 | 55 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in January 2020, One Heritage Tower is a major skyscraper development. When constructed it will become the third tallest building in Manchester. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 2 | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 1 | 158 | 48 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. When constructed, Tower 1 will become the equal sixth tallest building in Manchester. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 3 | Greengate Park North Tower 1 | 155 | 52 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in March 2020, Greengate Park North Tower 1 is the largest tower in a collection of three towers in Central Manchester. When constructed it will become the eighth tallest building in Manchester. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 4 | Anaconda Cut | 131 | 44 | 2018 | Residential | Greengate | The fifth tallest building in Manchester and sixth tallest outside London. Currently the thirty-first tallest by height in the United Kingdom. 100 Greengate is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 5 | X1 Media City II, Salford Quays Tower 1 | 127 | 41 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in December 2018, X1 Media City II, located on Michigan Avenue, is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. When constructed, Tower 1 will become the twentieth tallest building in Manchester. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 6 | Greengate Park North Tower 2 | 126 | 42 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in March 2020, Greengate Park North Tower 2 is the second largest tower in a collection of three towers in Central Manchester. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 7= | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 2 | 123 | 37 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. When constructed, Tower 2 will become the equal twentieth tallest building in Manchester. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 7= | Greengate Park North Tower 3 | 123 | 41 | 2024 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in March 2020, Greengate Park North Tower 3 is the smallest tower in a collection of three towers in Central Manchester. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 9= | Affinity Living Riverview | 112 | 35 | 2021 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in November 2016 with initial construction starting in July 2017, Affinity Living Riverview is a major residential construction in the Greengate area of Central Manchester on the banks of the river Irwell which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. When completed in 2021 it will become the eleventh tallest building in Manchester. Construction is currently taking place with its sister building, Affinity Living Riverside which is due to complete in 2020. | |
| 9= | Gorton Street Tower, Greengate | 112 | 36 | 2025 | Residential | Greengate | Proposed in September 2019, Gorton Street Tower, Greengate is a major co-living residential skyscraper proposal. It is a key development in the Greengate area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 11 | Irwell Tower, The Residence | 110 | 34 | 2021 | Residential | Greengate | Approved in September 2016 with initial construction starting in July 2017, The Irwell Tower is a major residential construction in the Greengate area of Central Manchester, an area earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. When completed in 2021 it will become the twelfth tallest building in Manchester. | |
| 12 | X1 Media City II, Salford Quays Tower 2 | 109 | 35 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in December 2018, X1 Media City II, located on Michigan Avenue, is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 13 | Anchorage Gateway, Anchorage Quay | 101 | 31 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Approved in November 2019, Anchorage Gateway in Anchorage Quay is a major planned development in Salford Quays. Anchorage Gateway is part of Media City, the development of which is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. It will deliver nearly 400 apartments when completed. Construction is expected to start in 2021. | |
| 14 | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 3 | 99 | 31 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 15 | X1 Media City II, Salford Quays Tower 3 | 97 | 31 | 2024 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in December 2018, X1 Media City II, located on Michigan Avenue, is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 16 | Cotton Quay, Salford Quays Tower 4 | 92 | 27 | 2028 | Residential | Salford Quays | Proposed in November 2019, Cotton Quay is a major skyscraper development proposal consisting of six towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 17= | Blue, MediaCityUK | 90 | 18 | 2010 | Office | Salford Quays | Blue, MediaCityUK is currently the tallest building in Salford Quays. Blue is part of Media City, the development of which is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. | |
| 17= | Fortis Quay Tower 1 | 90 | 26 | 2021 | Residential | Salford Quays | Approved in April 2017 with construction starting in August 2018, Fortis Quay Tower 1 is the tallest tower in a scheme in the heart of the Salford Quays delivering over 750 apartments constructed by DeTrafford. The scheme includes a smaller tower and the conversion of Furness House and Custom House, two 1970s office buildings. When completed it will be the joint tallest building in the Salford Quays along with Blue, Media City. Fortis Quays will include a gymnasium for its residents, a pedestrian garden avenue, onsite concierge, car-parking facilities and a neighbourhood square. | |
| 19 | One Greengate Block A | 88 | 31 | 2016 | Residential | Greengate | One Greengate is the second tallest development within Greengate, an area of Central Manchester which has been earmarked as an area of intense development in the coming years. | |
| 20= | X1 Media City Tower 1 | 86 | 31 | 2017 | Residential | Salford Quays | The X1 Media City development is a construction of four identical residential towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. Two buildings currently completed, two more under construction. | |
| 20= | X1 Media City Tower 2 | 86 | 31 | 2019 | Residential | Salford Quays | The X1 Media City development is a construction of four identical residential towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. Two buildings currently completed, two more under construction. | |
| 20= | X1 Media City Tower 3 | 86 | 26 | 2022 | Residential | Salford Quays | The X1 Media City development is a construction of four identical residential towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. Two buildings currently completed, two more under construction. | |
| 20= | X1 Media City Tower 4 | 86 | 26 | 2022 | Residential | Salford Quays | The X1 Media City development is a construction of four identical residential towers. Part of Media City, the development is part of wider ambitious plans to transform Salford Quays into a major commerce and entertainment area of Greater Manchester. Two buildings currently completed, two more under construction. |