The area around the Salford Quays at the eastern end of the Manchester Ship Canal is a great example of what can be achieved by urban regeneration. Sleek low-rise blocks of
flats line the waterways linking the docks. High-rise blocks overlook the docks themselves.

Recently, the BBC has relocated many of its services to the Media City UK at Salford; not to be outdone Granada has moved in just across the water, close to the Imperial War
Museum (North) – known as IWM (North) – designed by Daniel Libeskind. Five minutes walk away is the Lowry Centre a thriving arts and culture hub. Opposite the centre is
a discount shopping mall with something for everyone.

From here Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford, can be seen on the near horizon about ten minutes away by foot. Watersport’s enthusiasts practice their art surrounded by preserved reminders of the docks’ history such as rail lines, mooring posts, and anchor chains. The Metrolink tram passes through the area and the journey to central Manchester takes about ten minutes.

IWM (North) has welcomed over three million visitors since it first opened on July 5th, 2002. Like all National Museums in the UK, it is free to all visitors. Unlike most museums, however, the visitor should first have a good look at the outside of the museum and understand the inspiration behind the design. The IWM (North) was the first UK
building to be designed by the American architect Daniel Libeskind. The building is clad in aluminium and the design is based on the concept of a world shattered by conflict into
three interlocking shards, which represent war on land, water, and in the air.