Greengate Square
A vibrant urban square connecting Salford and Manchester, featuring interactive fountains and captivating LED light displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See fountains & architecture
Greengate Square
Best Time
See fountains & architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban square connecting Salford and Manchester, featuring interactive fountains and captivating LED light displays.
"A quiet little place of a busy area in Manchester. Grab a coffee and go to Greengage Square for a break."
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
There's a Grindsmith coffee pod nearby for great coffee to enjoy in the square. :coffee:
📸 Perfect for Long Exposures
Ideal spot for long exposure photography, especially during blue hour. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Fountains
Greengate Square
Watch as 36 colored fountains come alive, programmed for events or just for fun. Kids (and adults!) love trying to dodge the spray.
Amphitheatre Gathering Space
Greengate Square
This natural gathering spot is perfect for events, concerts, or simply relaxing and people-watching.
LED Lighting Displays
Greengate Square
Experience spectacular light displays, especially during blue hour, creating a magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Greengate Square
Connecting Salford and Manchester
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
There's a Grindsmith coffee pod nearby for great coffee to enjoy in the square. :coffee:
📸 Perfect for Long Exposures
Ideal spot for long exposure photography, especially during blue hour. :camerawithflash:
🎉 Event Potential
The square is designed for events like concerts and markets. Check local listings! :microphone:
💧 Fountains Fun
Be prepared for the fountains to splash – it's part of the fun for all ages! :joy:
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
There's a Grindsmith coffee pod nearby for great coffee to enjoy in the square. :coffee:
📸 Perfect for Long Exposures
Ideal spot for long exposure photography, especially during blue hour. :camerawithflash:
🎉 Event Potential
The square is designed for events like concerts and markets. Check local listings! :microphone:
💧 Fountains Fun
Be prepared for the fountains to splash – it's part of the fun for all ages! :joy:
🚶♀️ Urban Link
Appreciate its role connecting Salford and Manchester. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Greengate Square is appreciated as a pleasant public space that successfully links Salford and Manchester, offering interactive fountains and atmospheric LED lighting. While it can be a bit shady due to surrounding buildings, it's a great spot for relaxation, photography, and community events.
"A new footbridge spans the Irwell linking Victoria Street and the Cathedral with a former car park on the Salford side of the river. In early 2013 (certainly not April 2012 as projected) this space opened as a new public domain called Greengate Square. The e-architect website reported the plans to create this space in 2008, "Whitelaw Turkington and Arup have been appointed as designers of the public spaces at Exchange Greengate in Central Salford. The 13-hectare, mixed-use development will create a new urban quarter linking the cities of Salford and Manchester, with a stunning public realm at its heart."
The Salford Council website says of the development that, " The new square is a public space capable of hosting events, concerts and markets. The new amphitheatre in Greengate Square creates a natural space to gather, while the beacons can create spectacular light and mist displays - and the 36 coloured fountains can be programmed to suit every activity at the square.""
Saddam Hossain
"Greengate Square is a nice place to relax in close proximity to the city centre, there also happens to be a Grindsmith coffee shop / pod thingy serving amazing coffee every day of the week. Fountains and LED lighting are a nice touch and there are often small children (and adults alike) running about trying not to get soaked... Unfortunately the sheer size of the City Heights apartment next door means that it can be shady for large portions of the day, but don't let that put you off!"
Martyn
"Great place to make some nice long exposure photos. Works great during blue hour."
Tomasz Kozak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Greengate Square is easily accessible, acting as a key link between Salford and Manchester. It's located near Victoria Street and the Cathedral. Public transport options to Manchester city center will get you close, and it's a pleasant walk from there.
Yes, Greengate Square is a short walk from Manchester city center, especially with the new footbridge spanning the Irwell. It's a convenient way to explore both cities.
While Greengate Square is a public space, parking in the immediate vicinity might be limited. It's often easier to use public transport or park in Manchester city center and walk over.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Greengate Square is a public domain and there is no entry fee. You can visit and enjoy the space freely.
As a public square, Greengate Square is generally accessible at all times. However, specific event programming may have set hours.
📸 📸 Photography
For photography, consider visiting during daylight to capture the fountains and architecture, or during blue hour for stunning LED light displays. Long exposure shots work particularly well here.
The interactive fountains and the amphitheatre area offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding modern architecture also provides interesting backdrops.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Greengate Square itself is a public space, there is a Grindsmith coffee pod located nearby, offering excellent coffee.
Yes, Greengate Square is a public space suitable for picnics. You might see people enjoying their meals there.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
You can relax by the interactive fountains, enjoy the amphitheatre space, or simply take in the urban atmosphere. It's also a great spot for photography and events.
Yes, families often enjoy Greengate Square, especially the interactive fountains where children can play. It's a safe and open public space.
The square is designed to host events, concerts, and markets. It's worth checking local listings for any upcoming activities.
It's a quiet spot in a busy area, offering a place to relax. In the evenings, the LED lighting adds a vibrant, atmospheric touch.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a change of clothes for the little ones if they plan on getting wet in the fountains. There's also a Grindsmith coffee pod nearby for parents to grab a much-needed caffeine boost.
📸 Photographers
Look for interesting compositions with the fountains, the amphitheatre, and the surrounding modern architecture. The square's role as a connector between Salford and Manchester also provides a narrative element for your photos.
🚶♀️ Urban Explorers & Day-Trippers
You can easily spend some time here relaxing, enjoying a coffee from the nearby Grindsmith pod, and observing the urban life. It's a great place to appreciate urban regeneration projects and the modern public spaces being created. The interactive fountains and evening light displays add an element of surprise and delight to your exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Urban Link: Greengate Square's Role
The development plans, dating back to 2008, envisioned a 'stunning public realm at its heart.' This ambition is realized through features like the interactive fountains and the amphitheatre, making it a dynamic space for both residents and visitors. The square's creation transformed a former car park into a vibrant public domain, showcasing a commitment to urban regeneration and connectivity.
This strategic location means Greengate Square is a natural point of transition, offering a glimpse into both Salford's evolving landscape and Manchester's proximity. It's a place where urban life unfolds, from daily commutes to community events, embodying the spirit of a connected city.
Experiencing Greengate Square's Features
Beyond the fountains, the amphitheatre provides a natural gathering space. It's designed to accommodate events, concerts, and markets, serving as a focal point for community activities.
For those interested in photography, Greengate Square offers excellent opportunities. The combination of water features, lighting, and urban architecture makes it a prime location for long exposure photography, capturing the movement of water and light in striking ways.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit