Nine Dock – Salford, UK
Posted by: 
dtrebilc
N 53° 28.311 W 002° 17.848
30U E 546631 N 5924992
This sculpture is one of many that form part of the 33 mile Irwell Sculpture Trail and reflects the history of this area.
Waymark Code: WMMYJM
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/24/2014
Views: 1
The River Irwell is approximately 39 miles long stretching from Deerplay Moor just north of Bacup in the Pennine Hills to Irlam to the south of Manchester. During the industrial revolution many mills and factories were built along the river’s route and it became very polluted with hardly any life left in it.
After the 1970’s when industry had declined various schemes were implemented to clean up the River and life has returned to it. In 1995 it was decided to develop a 33 mile
sculpture trail along the river as part of a multi – million pound redevelopment scheme. It stretches from Bacup in the North to Salford Quays near Manchester.
At Salford Quays the Irwell had been canalised as part of the Manchester Ship Canal construction and had been part of the UK’s 3rd largest port. This area is also a regeneration area that has transformed itself from an industrial site to an area of housing, leisure and offices.
As part of the regeneration of the area a modern art gallery and theatre called the Lowry Centre was opened in 2000. In 2010 a project was set up to celebrate the Lowry’s 10th anniversary and with the support of The Heritage Lottery Fund 5 sculptures were installed around Salford Quays with a group title of
Unlocking Salford Quays.
This piece entitled Nine Dock is situated on the wharf side of what was dock 9.
“Made in 2010 with current workers and residents of Salford Quays.
9 Dock was once the largest and most important on Salford Docks. It opened in 1905 and was home to the passenger and shipping company, Manchester Liners. At over half a mile in length 9 Dock was big enough to hold 10 large container ships, enabling the Port to remain internationally competitive.
Since then the area surrounding 9 Dock has dramatically transformed from industrial landscape to luxurious waterside development. Today it is home to residents and businesses including The Lowry and MediaCityUK. This sculpture documents and celebrates that story. The surface is engraved with quotes by local people, who also helped to make decisions about the final shape, materials and colour.
Mor are an experienced team of landscape architects, public artists and spatial designers based in Falmouth. They work on all kinds of projects from play spaces and school grounds to furniture, signage and gateways.”
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