Salford remembers quays ‘visionary’

SALFORD City Council has unveiled a plaque to commemorate Les Hough who is said to have inspired the rebirth of Manchester Docks as Salford Quays.

The council said Mr Hough was a leading light in efforts to redefine the docks after they closed in 1982 with the loss of around 3,000 jobs.

Large parts of the area have been given over to office and residential development. Around 2,000 people now work at BBC North at MediaCityUK, and a further 500 at ITV’s new base. There is also the Lowry arts centre and a shopping centre.

The plaque has been installed on the corner of Trafford Road and Waterfront Quay. Mr Hough led the council from its formation in 1974 to 1987.

Councillor Joe Murphy, who worked with Mr Hough in the early days of the city council and became a close friend, said: “He was a shining example of a Salfordian and he was only concerned with this city.
“Les set up a small team and pursued his idea of a revitalised Quays. It was a calculated risk but it has clearly paid off.

“He died before he had the chance to see the real value of what he helped to create. Les would be overwhelmed by what Salford Quays has become.”

He added: “The start of that process was all down to him. He was very firm, but very fair. Above all, his love was for Salford.”

Salford mayor Ian Stewart said: “Les Hough was a true visionary. He had the remarkable foresight to plan ahead and buy up the land at Salford Quays.

“It was an opportunity that could not be missed. We can see now that the risks he took 30 years ago have been vindicated as the world’s most respected broadcaster has a huge new base in our city.

“This plaque will stand as a permanent reminder of his determination to make Salford Quays the jewel in our crown.”