World-renowned Lowry puts Salford on the map
Salford City Council has welcomed news that the Lowry is hitting headlines all over the world.
Yesterday, council members from all three political parties showed a united front in shouting about the successes of the spectacular arts and entertainment centre on Salford Quays.
Councillors also spoke about their pride in reading press reports in the Toronto Star, New York Times and Wall Street Journal - which all paid tribute to the city.
The article in the Toronto Star, headlined 'Canada could learn a thing or two', explained: "Derelict and unloved until recently, Salford Quays is now the site of The Lowry, a stunning state-of-the-art building…It's early days yet, but The Lowry investment seems as though it will be money well spent. And a community will be revitalised in the name of a man who chartered its history unflinchingly and gave dignity to his people."
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal said that the Lowry is "the first step in a master plan for the regeneration of Salford…one of the first really spectacular pieces of modern architecture to be built in Britain."
And the New York Times also talked positively about Salford in a story entitled "Manchester Docklands get spiffy new life".
After reading out the press reviews in a full council meeting yesterday, Councillor John Merry, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: "More than 115 Lowry employees live in Salford and as a result of this centre we have attracted a shopping centre development and what is going to be another magnificent building - the Imperial War Museum.
"If we in Salford have a weakness, it is that we don't praise ourselves for how much we achieve. We tend to forget the positive things that all make us part of a community. The Lowry is a beacon of hope for the rest of the world and I'm proud to say it's in this city."
Councillor Bill Hinds, Leader of the Council, added: "This is something we should be shouting about from the rooftops. It's unique. It has been said in the past that we can't afford The Lowry, but the truth is that we can't afford not to have it. It's vital for cultural advancement and regeneration."
Sue Miller, councillor for Ordsall ward in which the Lowry stands, said: "Everybody is united behind the Lowry, despite political party. We all recognise that this was, and still is, a fantastic project for the city."
Liberal Democrat councillor Bob Boyd and Conservative councillor Karen Garrido also voiced their support for The Lowry.
Cllr Garrido said: "Nobody can deny that the Lowry has started to lift this city. It's a great asset to everybody in Salford."
Added Councillor Boyd: "The Lowry Centre has done wonders for this city. We are all extremely proud."
Posted on Tuesday, 03 April 2001 under Press General Press