:MediaCityUK
{{Short description|Property development in Salford}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox property development
| development_name = MediaCityUK
| logo = MediaCityUK logo.svg
| image = File:Media City Footbridge and BBC Offices (geograph 2685261).jpg
| caption = View over the Manchester Ship Canal of the Media City Footbridge and BBC Offices
| coordinates = {{coord|53|28|22|N|2|17|50|W|type:landmark_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| location = Ordsall, City of Salford,
Greater Manchester, England
| developer = Peel Media
| operator = {{Plainlist|
- Peel Media
- BBC
- ITV Studios
- ITV Granada
- NEP Connect
- University of Salford
- Warner Bros.
}}
| owner = Landsec
| website = {{URL|mediacityuk.co.uk}}
| transport = {{rint|Manchester}} {{tram|MediaCityUK}}
| pushpin_map = Greater Manchester
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Greater Manchester
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_relief =
}}
MediaCityUK is a {{convert|200|acre|adj=on}} mixed-use property development on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. The project was developed by Peel Media; its principal tenants are media organisations and the Quayside MediaCityUK shopping centre.{{Citation |title=Quayside MediaCity |url=https://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/spaces/retail/quayside-mediacity/ |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=Media City UK |language=en-GB}} The land occupied by the development was part of the Port of Manchester and Manchester docks.
The BBC signalled its intention to move jobs to Manchester in 2004, and the Salford Quays site was chosen in 2006. The Peel Group was granted planning permission to develop the site in 2007, and construction of the development, with its own energy generation plant and communications network, began the same year. Based in Quay House, the principal tenant is the BBC, whose move marks a large-scale decentralisation from London. ITV Granada completed the first phase of its move to MediaCityUK on 25 March 2013, followed in two stages by the northern arm of ITV Studios: the second stage involved Coronation Street being moved to a new production facility on Trafford Wharf next to the Imperial War Museum North at the end of 2013. The Studios on Broadway houses seven high-definition studios, claimed to be the largest such facility in Europe.
MediaCityUK was developed in two phases; the {{convert|36|acre|adj=on}} first phase was completed in 2011, and the second is dependent on its success. The site became Europe's first WiredScore Certified Neighbourhood in 2020,{{Citation |date=29 September 2020 |title=MediaCityUK is Europe's first Wired Certified Neighbourhood |url=https://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/newsroom/mediacityuk-is-europes-first-wired-certified-neighbourhood/ |access-date=8 July 2022 |website=Media City UK |language=en-GB}} with all commercial buildings achieving either a WiredScore Platinum or Silver rating. Metrolink, Greater Manchester's light-rail system, was extended to MediaCityUK with the opening of the MediaCityUK tram stop on 20 September 2010 and further extensions are planned. Road access was improved by the construction of the Broadway Link Road.
Location
Salford Quays, at the eastern end of the Manchester Ship Canal on the site of the former Manchester Docks, became one of the first and largest urban regeneration projects in the United Kingdom after the closure of the dockyards in 1982.{{Citation|url=http://www.salford.gov.uk/milestones_v2.pdf |title=Salford Quays Milestones: The Story of Salford Quays |publisher=Salford City Council |access-date=21 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327122642/http://www.salford.gov.uk/milestones_v2.pdf |archive-date=27 March 2009 }} MediacityUK, an area on both banks of the ship canal, is part of a joint tourism initiative between Salford City Council and Trafford Borough Council encompassing The Quays, Trafford Wharf and parts of Old Trafford. The Quays development includes The Lowry Arts Centre and the Imperial War Museum North.{{Citation |title=Welcome to The Quays |url=http://thequays.org.uk/ |publisher=Quays Partnership |access-date=12 October 2011 |archive-date=5 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150405/http://www.thequays.org.uk/ |url-status=live }}
A total of {{convert|200|acre|ha}} of land was earmarked for the development of MediaCityUK.{{Citation |title=Media City Planning Guidance 2007 |url=http://www.salford.gov.uk/d/mediacity-planning-guidance-17-01-07amended2a.pdf |publisher=Salford Council |access-date=3 October 2011 |archive-date=28 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328234617/http://www.salford.gov.uk/d/mediacity-planning-guidance-17-01-07amended2a.pdf |url-status=live }} The first phase of its development was primarily focused on a {{convert|36|acre|adj=on}} site at Pier 9 on Salford Quays.{{Citation|title=MediaCityUK |url=http://www.salford.gov.uk/mediacityuk.htm |publisher=Salford City Council |work=Living IN Salford |access-date=6 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011110722/http://salford.gov.uk/mediacityuk.htm |archive-date=11 October 2011 }} In 2010 it was announced that the ITV production centre would be built on Trafford Wharf in the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.{{Citation |title=Council welcomes ITV plans to move Coronation Street to Trafford Wharf |url=http://www.trafford.gov.uk/news/press/details.asp?ID=2208 |publisher=Trafford Council |date=16 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322234636/http://www.trafford.gov.uk/news/press/details.asp?ID=2208 |archive-date=22 March 2012 }}
Background
In 2003, reports emerged that, as part of the plans for the renewal of its royal charter, the BBC was considering moving whole channels or strands of production from London to Manchester and closing Pebble Mill in Birmingham.{{Citation |first=Raymond |last=Snoddy |title=BBC may switch channel to North |newspaper=The Times |date=21 November 2003 |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LTIB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FEFBBA2CBFCA10E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=1054640702C8DBC0 |access-date=7 October 2011 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815124256/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news%2F0FEFBBA2CBFCA10E&f=basic |url-status=live }} {{subscription or membership required}} Early discussions involved a plan whereby the BBC would move to a new media village proposed by Granada Television at its Bonded Warehouse site at Granada Studios in the city.{{Citation |last=Brown |first=Maggie |title=ITV fears for shared Manchester studios |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/may/10/broadcasting.bbc?INTCMP=SRCH |date=10 May 2004 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=7 October 2011 |archive-date=9 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309173310/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/may/10/broadcasting.bbc?INTCMP=SRCH |url-status=live }}{{Citation |first=David |last=Ottewell |title=Granada moving, but only next door |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/granada-moving-but-only-next-door-1156918 |date=12 August 2004 |website=Manchester Evening News |access-date=7 October 2011 |archive-date=2 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402062152/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/granada-moving-but-only-next-door-1156918 |url-status=live }}
Proposals to relocate 1,800 jobs to Manchester were unveiled by Director-General of the BBC, Mark Thompson, in December 2004. The BBC's justification for the move was that its spending per head was low in northern England, where it had low approval ratings, and its facilities at New Broadcasting House in Manchester needed replacing.{{Citation |last=Breen |first=Rozina |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4072649.stm |title=BBC plans for Manchester move |date=7 December 2004 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 October 2011 |archive-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4072649.stm |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=Thompson says BBC 'must keep up' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4077355.stm |date=8 December 2004 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=7 October 2011 |archive-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512230001/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4077355.stm |url-status=live }} An initial list of 18 sites was narrowed to a short-list of four during 2005, two in Manchester – one at Quay Street, close to Granada Studios, and one on Whitworth Street and two in Salford – one close to the Manchester Arena and one at Pier 9 on Salford Quays.{{Citation |last=Gibson |first=Owen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/oct/22/broadcasting.bbc?INTCMP=SRCH |date=22 October 2005 |title=BBC a step closer to Manchester move |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=7 October 2011 |archive-date=13 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513060139/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/oct/22/broadcasting.bbc?INTCMP=SRCH |url-status=live }} The site at Salford Quays was chosen in June 2006, and the move north was conditional on a satisfactory licence fee settlement from the government.{{Citation |last=Deans |first=Jason |title=BBC: It's Salford! Maybe... |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/organgrinder/2006/jun/15/bbcmanchestermoveitssalfor |date=15 June 2006 |publisher=Guardian News and Media |website=The Guardian |access-date=6 October 2011 |archive-date=13 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513100132/http://www.theguardian.com/media/organgrinder/2006/jun/15/bbcmanchestermoveitssalfor |url-status=live }}
The chosen site was the last undeveloped site at Manchester Docks, an area that had been subject to considerable investment and was emerging as a tourist destination, residential and commercial centre. The vision of the developers Peel Group, Salford City Council, the Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company and the Northwest Regional Development Agency was to create a significant new media city capable of competing on a global scale with developments in Copenhagen and Singapore.
Salford City Council granted planning consent for an outline application for a multi-use development on the site involving residential, retail and studio and office space in October 2006{{Citation |title=Planning Application 06/53168/OUT |publisher=Salford City Council }} and consent for a detailed planning application followed in May 2007.{{Citation |title=Planning Application 07/54178/REM |publisher=Salford City Council}} In the same month, the BBC Trust approved moving five London-based departments to the development.{{Citation |title=BBC move is on |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/bbc-move-is-on-993119 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=22 June 2007 |access-date=7 October 2011 |first=Neal |last=Keeling |archive-date=19 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219030505/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/bbc-move-is-on-993119 |url-status=live }} The departments to be moved were Sport, Children's, Learning, Future Media and Technology and Radio Five Live.{{Citation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6708383.stm |title=BBC Salford move gets green light |date=31 May 2007 |access-date=7 October 2011 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=31 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831014258/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6708383.stm |url-status=live }}
Construction started in 2007, with the site owner, Peel Group, as developer and Bovis Lend Lease as contractor.{{Citation |title=Media City, Salford: This is the BBC |url=http://www.building.co.uk/media-city-salford-this-is-the-bbc/3148736.article |work=building.co.uk |date=18 September 2009 |access-date=20 July 2011 |archive-date=3 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103090237/http://www.building.co.uk/media-city-salford-this-is-the-bbc/3148736.article |url-status=live }} The media facilities opened in stages from 2007; the first of them, the Pie Factory, was in a refurbished bakery. It featured three large sound stages suitable for drama productions and commercials.{{Citation |title=Thoroughly Satisfying Welcome to the Pie Factory at MediaCityUK |url=http://www.thepiefactory.co.uk/ |publisher=The Pie Factory |access-date=5 August 2011 |archive-date=30 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830235529/http://thepiefactory.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=Give pie regards to Broadway... |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/give-pie-regards-to-broadway-978889 |date=15 February 2007 |access-date=7 October 2011 |website=Manchester Evening News |first=Simon |last=Donohue |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219015636/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/give-pie-regards-to-broadway-978889 |archive-date=19 February 2015}}
In January 2011, Peel Media received planning permission to convert on-site offices used by Bovis Lend Lease during the construction of the first phase into the Greenhouse.{{Citation |title=Green Light for the Greenhouse |url=http://www.peel.co.uk/news/greenlightforthegreenhousemediacityuk |publisher=The Peel Group |access-date=7 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406205223/http://www.peel.co.uk/news/greenlightforthegreenhousemediacityuk |archive-date=6 April 2012 }}
The first trial show took place in November 2010 in Dock10 Studio HQ2.{{Citation |last=Cowan |first=Katy |title=MediaCityUK produces first show from new studio complex |url=http://www.creativeboom.co.uk/north-west/news/mediacityuk-produces-first-show-from-new-studio-complex/ |work=creativeboom.co.uk |date=3 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008073103/http://www.creativeboom.co.uk/north-west/news/mediacityuk-produces-first-show-from-new-studio-complex/ |archive-date=8 October 2011 }} The half-hour test show featured a power failure and a fire drill, which involved a full evacuation of the audience and crew. The first programme filmed at Dock10 in MediaCityUK was Don't Scare the Hare in February 2011, and the first to transfer was A Question of Sport, the same month.{{Citation |last=Linton |first=Deborah |title=What happened next? BBC favourite A Question of Sport starts new era at MediaCity |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/what-happened-next-bbc-favourite-853281 |website=Manchester Evening News |date=4 February 2011 |access-date=24 July 2011 |archive-date=19 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219025958/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/what-happened-next-bbc-favourite-853281 |url-status=live }} BBC employees started transferring to the development in May 2011, a process that took 36 weeks. Director-General of the BBC Mark Thompson confirmed that up to a further 1,000 jobs could be created or transferred to the site.{{Citation |title=BBC director general Mark Thompson says MediaCity to become 'magnet' to stars as 150 staff move in |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1420309_bbc-director-general-mark-thompson-says-mediacity-to-become-magnet-to-stars-as-150-staff-move-in |website=Manchester Evening News |date=11 May 2011 |last=Turner |first=Ben |access-date=24 July 2011 |archive-date=21 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521135957/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1420309_bbc-director-general-mark-thompson-says-mediacity-to-become-magnet-to-stars-as-150-staff-move-in |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=BBC prepares for move to Salford |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/the-northerner/2011/may/11/salford-mediacity-bbc-staff-move |newspaper=The Guardian|date=11 May 2011 |last=Carter |first=Helen |publisher=Guardian News and Media |access-date=12 December 2016 |archive-date=15 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315073100/http://www.theguardian.com/global/the-northerner/2011/may/11/salford-mediacity-bbc-staff-move |url-status=live }}
In January 2012, the BBC was accused of not supporting the community by the area's local MP, Hazel Blears, after it was reported that only 26 of 680 jobs created at the development had gone to residents of Salford.{{Citation |title=MediaCity must recruit more locals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-16618243 |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 February 2012 |work=BBC News |date=19 January 2012 |archive-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120220916/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-16618243 |url-status=live }}
Buildings and facilities
{{Wide image|File:Media City complex.jpg|600px|The MediaCityUK complex overlooking the Manchester Ship Canal|center|alt=array of modern buildings}}
Traditional street names are not used in the development; instead, the main thoroughfares are styled blue, white, pink, yellow, orange, purple and green, with street furniture and ambient lighting colour-coded to match. A stylised map of the site has been devised. Landscape architects Gillespies regenerated the brownfield site to create public spaces.{{Citation |title=Case studies mediaCityUK |url=http://www.landscapeinstitute.org/casestudies/casestudy.php?id=119 |publisher=The Landscape Institute |access-date=10 October 2011 |archive-date=27 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127023240/http://landscapeinstitute.org/casestudies/casestudy.php?id=119 |url-status=live }} The focal point is a piazza and landscaped park, around which the buildings are located. The piazza's two distinct areas, The Green and The Stage, have the capacity to hold events for up to 6,500 people.{{Citation |title=MediaCityUK: where the streets have no name in Salford |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/manchester/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9032000/9032134.stm |access-date=25 September 2010 |date=24 September 2010 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=28 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928022826/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/manchester/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9032000/9032134.stm |url-status=live }} A free-standing big screen, in front of The Studios, is viewable from the piazza.{{Citation |title=Site visit: Inside Media City UK |url=http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6749-site-visit-inside-media-city-uk.html |publisher=Place Northwest |access-date=6 October 2011 |date=26 July 2010 |archive-date=29 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329082745/http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6749-site-visit-inside-media-city-uk.html |url-status=live }}
The BBC occupies three buildings: Bridge House, Dock House, and Quay House, all designed by architects Wilkinson Eyre, with the interior design by ID:SR Sheppard Robson. The buildings, whose simple forms are intended to harmonise with their waterfront settings, provide {{convert|450000|sqft}} of accommodation and office space,{{Citation |title=BBC North |url=http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/bbc-north.aspx?category=europe-and-russia |publisher=Wilkinson Eyre.Architects |access-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423165251/http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/bbc-north.aspx?category=europe-and-russia |archive-date=23 April 2012 }} of which the BBC occupies {{convert|330000|sqft}}.
File:Salford quays swing bridge.jpg at Salford Quays, illuminated at night. The Imperial War Museum North is clearly visible in the background.]]The opening swing footbridge at Salford Quays links MediaCityUK with Trafford Wharf on the southern bank of the ship canal. It was designed by Wilkinson Eyre in association with Gifford. The bridge's main span is {{convert|213|ft}} when open and provides a {{convert|157|ft|adj=on}} wide navigation channel accommodating ships' superstructures up to {{convert|66|ft}} in height. The developers specified it to be "a unique and memorable landmark". Its visibility is created by a curved bridge deck with an offset pivot mast and array of supporting cables in a fan or sail shape. It has seating benches and is lit at night.{{Citation |title=Media City Footbridge |url=http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/media-city-footbridge.aspx?category=bridges |publisher=Wilkinson Eyre.Architects |access-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423170106/http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/media-city-footbridge.aspx?category=bridges |archive-date=23 April 2012}}{{Citation |title=MediaCity Footbridge |url=http://www.ramboll.com/projects/ruk/mediacityuk%20footbridge/ |publisher=Ramboll Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512063952/http://www.ramboll.com/projects/ruk/mediacityuk%20footbridge |archive-date=12 May 2017 |url-status=live}} The bridge, constructed with funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency, is the final link in a circular walking route connecting the development with The Lowry and Imperial War Museum North. It was officially opened by Rowan Williams and John Sentamu, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and was opened to the public in May 2011 after landscaping works were completed.{{Citation |title=Archbishops first to step onto MediaCityUK bridge |url=http://www.nwda.co.uk/news--events/press-releases/201101/archbishops-first-to-step-onto.aspx |publisher=North West Development Agency |access-date=9 October 2011 |archive-date=2 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102055615/http://www.nwda.co.uk/news--events/press-releases/201101/archbishops-first-to-step-onto.aspx |url-status=live }}
The development is powered by a trigeneration energy plant producing electricity for cooling and heating using water from the ship canal. It is more than twice as efficient as conventional grid electricity and helped the development gain BREEAM sustainable community status. The communications network is one of the most advanced in the world, with more than 20 million metres of fibre-optic cable capable of delivering the internet speeds required for media production.{{Citation |title=Technology |url=http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/our-community/technology |work=MediaCityUK |access-date=9 October 2011 |archive-date=7 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107025824/http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/our-community/technology |url-status=live }}
{{MediaCityUK}}
=Critical reception=
Architects Sheppard Robson won several awards for their interior design of Quay House for BBC North, including the British Council for Offices Award and the AIT Award.{{Citation |title=BCO Awards - 2012 Fit-Out of Workplace Award |url=http://www.bco.org.uk/Awards/Winners/2012/Fit-Out-Workplace.aspx#BBC%20North |website=www.bco.org.uk |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727160208/http://www.bco.org.uk/Awards/Winners/2012/Fit-Out-Workplace.aspx#BBC%20North |url-status=live }}{{Citation |last1=Robson |first1=Sheppard |title=BBC North at MediaCityUK - ID:SR Interiors |url=https://www.sheppardrobson.com/idsr/view/bbc-north-at-mediacityuk |website=Sheppard Robson |access-date=27 July 2020 |language=en |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727100955/https://www.sheppardrobson.com/idsr/view/bbc-north-at-mediacityuk |url-status=live }} The engineering group Ramboll received recognition for its design of the Salford Quays footbridge, which was praised as "a graceful and well engineered bridge [...] a delightful testament to the art of structural engineering". The bridge designers won the British Constructional Steelwork Association's 2012 Structural Steel Design Award and a North West Civil Engineering Award from the Institution of Civil Engineers.{{Citation |title=Media City Footbridge - Salford MediaCityUK |url=https://uk.ramboll.com/projects/ruk/mediacityuk%20footbridge |website=Ramboll |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727105501/https://uk.ramboll.com/projects/ruk/mediacityuk%20footbridge |url-status=live }}
The architecture at MediaCity was received unfavourably by Building Design magazine, which awarded the development with the 2011 Carbuncle Cup for Worst New Building.{{Citation |title=Carbuncle Cup 2011: MediaCityUK is crowned Britain's ugliest new building |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2011/sep/01/carbuncle-cup-2011-mediacityuk-bbc |date=1 September 2011 |access-date=11 October 2011 |last=Glancey |first=Jonathan |publisher=Guardian News and Media |archive-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105160409/http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2011/sep/01/carbuncle-cup-2011-mediacityuk-bbc |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=BBC's new home is named worst building in UK |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/architecture/bbcs-new-home-is-named-worst-building-in-uk-2347839.html |work=The Independent |date=2 September 2011 |first=Jay |last=Merrick |access-date=9 October 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930231637/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/architecture/bbcs-new-home-is-named-worst-building-in-uk-2347839.html |url-status=live }} Owen Hatherley writing in The Guardian also criticised the development, describing it as "an enclave, easily closed off from the life of the rest of the city".{{Citation |title=The story of the BBC, as told by its buildings |last=Hatherley |first=Owen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jul/20/story-bbc-buildings-broadcasting-house |newspaper=The Guardian |date=20 July 2012 |access-date=25 September 2012 |archive-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105160336/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jul/20/story-bbc-buildings-broadcasting-house |url-status=live }} These critiques highlighted concerns about the design's disconnect from its urban surroundings and its impact on the local community.
Tenants
=BBC=
File:BBC, Media City - geograph.org.uk - 2618059.jpg
File:BBC Radio 5 live, Salford.jpg and BBC Sport]]
{{as of|2023}}, approximately {{formatnum:2700}} BBC staff are employed at MediaCityUK. The BBC currently occupies three buildings at MediaCityUK: Bridge House, Dock House and Quay House.{{Citation |title=BBC North – Media City UK |website=MediaCityUK |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/directory/bbc-north/ |access-date=7 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520125410/https://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/directory/bbc-north/ |archive-date=20 May 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=MediaCityUK |url=https://www.bbc.com/historyofthebbc/buildings/media-city/ |website=www.bbc.com |access-date=12 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924064423/https://www.bbc.com/historyofthebbc/buildings/media-city |archive-date=24 September 2022 |language=en |url-status=live}}
The BBC North operation at MediaCityUK was brought about by relocating a significant number of staff from BBC premises in London. On 31 May 2007, the BBC Trust gave final approval for the creation of "a major new BBC centre in the North", to be completed by 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/buildings/new_dev/move_north.shtml |title=The BBC at mediacity:uk, Salford Quays |website=BBC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424153241/http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/buildings/new_dev/move_north.shtml |archive-date=24 April 2009 |access-date=9 May 2023 }} It was claimed that the development would create up to {{formatnum:10000}} jobs and add £1 billion to the regional economy over five years.{{Citation |type=press release |title=BBC confirm move of five departments to mediacity:uk |url=http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/pr_bbconfirms.html |date=31 May 2007 |access-date=23 November 2007|website=mediacity:uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928060413/http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/pr_bbconfirms.html |archive-date=28 September 2007 |url-status=dead}} It was announced in July 2010 that the BBC Breakfast programme would move to Salford Quays.{{Citation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment+arts-10634416 |website=BBC News |title=BBC Breakfast moving to Salford |date=14 July 2010 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=11 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811213552/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment+arts-10634416 |url-status=live }} In 2009, the BBC had estimated that moving to Salford would cost almost £1 billion, spread over twenty years,{{Citation |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5983991/BBC-move-from-London-to-Salford-could-cost-1-billion.html |title=BBC move from London to Salford could cost £1 billion |last1=Pierce |first1=Andrew |last2=Bilsborough |first2=Jack |date=7 August 2009 |website=The Telegraph |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |access-date=30 September 2010 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815124249/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5983991/BBC-move-from-London-to-Salford-could-cost-1-billion.html |url-status=live }} but in May 2011, Director-General Mark Thompson claimed that the cost of moving was much less than that originally planned.{{Citation |title=£190m – the real cost of BBC's Salford move |url=http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Property/190m-the-real-cost-of-BBCs-Salford-move |work=Manchester Confidential |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=2 April 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420165139/http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Property/190m-the-real-cost-of-BBCs-Salford-move |archive-date=20 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}
In 2017, the Centre for Cities published a report showing the impact of the move in the five years between 2011 and 2016. It found there were 4,600 new jobs in MediaCityUK, however 2,000 of those were BBC staff relocated from elsewhere in the country, while 1,200 were from existing Greater Manchester businesses relocating (including 640 BBC staff already based in the city) for 1,400 net new jobs created at MediaCityUK by the move; there was little relocation of other businesses from elsewhere in the country, with only 145 in existing businesses moving to Greater Manchester. The number employed in media within one mile of MediaCityUK was static over the five years, as cuts in output offset new job growth (and the coverage of the 2012 London Olympics was a peak for BBC Sport). However, the economic impact outside Salford was greater, with the creation of 4,420 new jobs for existing businesses in the wider city region.{{Citation | url=http://www.centreforcities.org/press/bbc-move-salford-brought-jobs-boost-mediacity-minimal-impact-employment-across-greater-manchester/ | title=BBC move to Salford brought jobs boost to MediaCity – but has had minimal impact on employment across Greater Manchester | website=centreforcities.org | date=10 August 2017 | access-date=17 September 2018 | archive-date=18 September 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918012324/http://www.centreforcities.org/press/bbc-move-salford-brought-jobs-boost-mediacity-minimal-impact-employment-across-greater-manchester/ | url-status=live }}
Various divisions of the BBC have bases at the MediaCityUK campus, generally referred to as BBC North. Output includes network programming (BBC Breakfast, BBC News at One, BBC North West regional news); BBC children's TV (CBBC and CBeebies); BBC Three; Radio Manchester, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra, 6 Music, BBC Religion & Ethics, BBC Sport, BBC Learning and the BBC Philharmonic. The campus is also home to a 24/7 engineering team overseeing online and broadcast output, plus teams for other key products and services including: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, BBC Research & Development, Children in Need and Comic Relief. Some staff in the commercial division, BBC Studios, also work from MediaCityUK.
In November 2022, the BBC announced plans to vacate Bridge House as part of a scheme to reduce costs. Staff from BBC Children's, BBC Education, BBC Sport and operations staff will relocate to other MediaCity premises, Quay House and Dock House, by the spring of 2024.
=ITV Granada=
File:CoronationStreetMediaCityUK.jpg, used since 2013]]
File:Uos Building alone July 2010 (Small).jpg campus and ITV Granada.]]
ITV Granada was interested in relocating but negotiations with the developers, Peel Media, were abandoned in 2009 amid a financial dispute.{{Citation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7938383.stm |title=ITV pulls out of MediaCity move |publisher=BBC News |date=11 March 2009 |access-date=20 June 2011 |archive-date=14 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314071219/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7938383.stm |url-status=live }} After a change of management at ITV Granada, talks resumed in January 2010{{Citation |last=Conlan |first=Tara |date=11 January 2010 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/jan/11/coronation-street-set-to-be-demolished |title=Coronation Street set to be demolished |work=guardian.co.uk |publisher=Guardian News and Media |access-date=12 December 2016 |archive-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023032926/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/jan/11/coronation-street-set-to-be-demolished |url-status=live }} and in December the decision to move to MediaCityUK was announced.{{Citation |last=Kozlowski |first=Lee |url=http://www.needofficespace.com/servicedoffice-blog/itv-looking-to-move-to-salford-quays-office-space-7083.html |title=ITV looking to move to Salford Quays office space |work=needofficespace.com |access-date=24 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307011825/http://www.needofficespace.com/servicedoffice-blog/itv-looking-to-move-to-salford-quays-office-space-7083.html |archive-date=7 March 2014 }} A production facility was constructed on Trafford Wharf to house the Coronation Street sets that transferred from Granada Studios in 2013.{{Citation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-12433377 |title=Coronation Street move approved by Trafford Council |work=BBC |date=11 February 2011 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=8 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008002719/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-12433377 |url-status=live }} In March 2013, Granada Reports was broadcast from MediaCityUK signifying the completion of the initial phase of its migration from the Granada Studios in Quay Street.{{Citation |url=http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/p/itv-completes-phase-one-migration-to-mediacityuk |title=ITV completes phase one migration to MediaCityUK |publisher=The Peel Group |access-date=24 April 2013 |archive-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313040305/http://mediacityuk.co.uk/p/itv-completes-phase-one-migration-to-mediacityuk |url-status=live }} The MediaCityUK site is home to approximately 750 ITV employees at ITV Granada and ITV Studios.{{Citation |title=MediaCityUK - ITV |url=http://mediacityuk.co.uk/whos-here/key-occupiers/itv/ |work=MediaCityUK |access-date=8 August 2018 |archive-date=8 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808202555/http://mediacityuk.co.uk/whos-here/key-occupiers/itv/ |url-status=live }}
= NEP Connect / SIS LIVE =
Satellite Information Services (SIS), later known as SIS LIVE, has occupied an office at The Pie Factory since 2006 and in 2010 formed a joint venture with Peel to manage the studios.{{Citation |title=Peel toasts 'extraordinary year' at Media City |publisher=Place North West |date=22 December 2010 |url=http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/7963-peel-toasts-extraordinary-year-at-media-city.html |access-date=13 October 2012 |archive-date=19 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619114939/http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/7963-peel-toasts-extraordinary-year-at-media-city.html |url-status=live }} In 2011 SIS announced it would move its headquarters from London and awarded a £3 million contract to S3 Satcom and SATCOM Technologies for the provision of a nine earth station broadcast teleport on Trafford Wharf.{{Citation |title=Activating the MediaCityUK satellite teleport |url=http://www.landmobile.co.uk/cgi-bin/go.pl/library/articlehtml.cgi?uid=86633;type=News |publisher=Landmobile |access-date=11 October 2011 |archive-date=20 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020223320/http://www.landmobile.co.uk/cgi-bin/go.pl/library/articlehtml.cgi?uid=86633;type=News |url-status=live }} SIS announced the launch of its teleport in July 2012 and opened offices in the Blue Tower a month later.{{Citation |title=SIS opens doors to new centre at MediaCityUK |date=22 August 2012 |publisher=SIS |access-date=13 October 2012 |url=http://www.sis.tv/news/sis-opens-doors-new-centre-mediacityuk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522041528/http://www.sis.tv/news/sis-opens-doors-new-centre-mediacityuk |archive-date=22 May 2013 }}{{Citation |url=https://www.live-production.tv/news/products/sis-live-announces-launch-new-teleport-mediacityuk.html |title=SIS LIVE announces the launch of new teleport at MediaCityUK |date=10 July 2012 |website=live-production.tv |publisher=SIS}}{{Citation |last=Bevir |first=George |title=SIS LIVE teleport moves north |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/techfacils/sis-live-teleport-moves-north/5044085.article |date=5 July 2012 |access-date=13 October 2012 |archive-date=14 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414100651/http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/techfacils/sis-live-teleport-moves-north/5044085.article |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=SIS LIVE launches new teleport at MediaCityUK |url=https://www.tvbeurope.com/production-post/sis-live-launches-new-teleport-at-mediacityuk |website=TVBEurope |access-date=17 August 2019 |date=12 July 2012 |archive-date=17 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817142027/https://www.tvbeurope.com/production-post/sis-live-launches-new-teleport-at-mediacityuk |url-status=live }}
In October 2018, SIS LIVE was taken over by NEP Group, who rebranded the firm to 'NEP Connect' and have continued to operate their facilities at MediaCityUK.{{Citation |title=NEP Group Acquires SIS LIVE |url=https://www.sislive.tv/nep-group-acquires-sis-live/ |website=SIS LIVE |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217014824/https://www.sislive.tv/nep-group-acquires-sis-live/ |url-status=live }}
=University of Salford=
File:MediaCityUK Piazza.jpg looking towards Dock10, the BBC and Salford University]]
The University of Salford moved its media-related teaching and research to the MediaCityUK site in October 2011.{{Citation|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-15166950|title=University of Salford opens at MediaCityUK|work=BBC News|access-date=6 October 2011|date=4 October 2011|archive-date=5 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005095033/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-15166950|url-status=live}} The move will controversially cost the university more than £2.25 million in rent per annum until 2020.{{Citation |title=University of Salford Media City rent revelation |url=http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=932 |work=Salford Star |access-date=3 October 2011 |date=4 April 2011 |archive-date=28 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028061359/http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=932 |url-status=live }}
=Dock10=
Dock10 is a television facility owner and media services company, located within MediaCityUK, Salford. Dock10 offers a number of services, but its two most notable is Television Studios and post production.{{Citation |last1=Roue |first1=Lucy |title=dock10 and ITV studios extend contract until 2018 |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/dock10-itv-studios-extend-contract-11500452 |publisher=Manchester Evening News |date=21 June 2016 |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509113120/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/dock10-itv-studios-extend-contract-11500452 |url-status=live }}
= Red Bee Media =
Red Bee has offices, playout and managed media facilities at their MediaCityUK location.{{Cite web |title=Contact |url=https://www.redbeemedia.com/contact/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=Red Bee Media |language=en-GB}}
=Others=
A diverse mix of about 40 service companies, along with small companies offering ancillary services such as casting and camera hire, occupy The Pie Factory and The Greenhouse.{{Citation |title=The Greenhouse |url=http://thegreenhouse.mediacityuk.co.uk/ |publisher=MediaCityUK |access-date=5 August 2011 |archive-date=4 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804022040/http://thegreenhouse.mediacityuk.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}
Antix Productions moved into offices in The Greenhouse in 2011.{{Citation |title=Antix moving to MediaCityUK |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/indies/antix-moving-to-mediacityuk-with-first-terrestrial-order/5031356.article |publisher=Emap |access-date=8 October 2011 |date=31 August 2011 |first=Michael |last=Rosser |archive-date=13 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313150933/http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/indies/antix-moving-to-mediacityuk-with-first-terrestrial-order/5031356.article |url-status=live }} In 2012 the Rugby Football League opened an office in The Greenhouse to facilitate the administration of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.{{Citation |title=RFL open base at Media City |url=http://www.code13rugbyleague.com/2012/01/17/rfl-open-base-at-media-city/ |publisher=Code13 Rugby League |access-date=19 January 2012 |archive-date=28 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728003143/http://www.code13rugbyleague.com/2012/01/17/rfl-open-base-at-media-city/ |url-status=live }}
In 2008, Hope High School in Salford was taken over by Oasis Community Learning, an evangelical Christian organisation,{{Citation |title=Salford Oasis Academy MediaCityUK |url=http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=474 |work=Salford Star |access-date=11 January 2011 |date=10 February 2010 |archive-date=15 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715234415/http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=474 |url-status=live }} and renamed Oasis Academy MediaCityUK; its new premises in Salford Quays, on the edge of the MediaCity UK site, were completed in September 2012.{{Citation |title=Academy reaches new heights! |url=http://www.oasisacademymediacityuk.org/academy-life/news/view/item92227/ |publisher=Oasis Academy MediaCityUK |access-date=6 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205131059/http://www.oasisacademymediacityuk.org/academy-life/news/view/item92227/ |archive-date=5 December 2011 }} UTC@MediaCityUK, a University Technical College backed by the University of Salford, The Lowry and the Aldridge Foundation, specialising in the creative, media and music industries opened in 2015.{{Citation |title=UTC@MediaCityUK Press Release |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/media/mediacityuks-university-technical-college-gets-689449 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |access-date=6 November 2013 |date=10 June 2012 |archive-date=21 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221114902/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/media/mediacityuks-university-technical-college-gets-689449 |url-status=live }}
Transport
File:Media city metrolink station.jpg]]
The MediaCityUK tram stop opened on 20 September 2010,{{Citation |title=Metrolink trams pull in to MediaCityUK station for first time |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1328314_metrolink_trams_pull_in_to_mediacityuk_station_for_first_time |access-date=25 September 2010 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=20 September 2010 |archive-date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923105728/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1328314_metrolink_trams_pull_in_to_mediacityuk_station_for_first_time |url-status=live }} part of the Metrolink light-rail system serving Greater Manchester. It lies at the end of a {{convert|360|m|mi|2|adj=on}} spur from the Eccles Line, which was built as part of Phase 3 of the Metrolink expansion project. Trams run to Eccles & Ashton-under-Lyne via Etihad Campus and Piccadilly. Across the Media City Footbridge, the "Trafford Park Line" Metrolink extension, completed in March 2020, has a stop at the adjacent Imperial War Museum.
Vehicular access to the Quays has been improved by the construction of Broadway Link Road, which links the site to the M602 motorway at junction 2, and by the provision of car parking. The high-rise 2116 space multi-storey car park was completed in August 2009. It is a pre-cast curved structure clad in a mixture of aluminium mesh panels and shaded aluminium tiles, comprising 11 floors of parking above the development's energy centre and commercial units.{{Citation |title=MediaCity Salford Quays |url=http://www.sccltd.co.uk/mediacity.html |publisher=S.C.C. |access-date=6 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407013322/http://www.sccltd.co.uk/mediacity.html |archive-date=7 April 2011 }}
Frequent bus services are provided from the site by Go North West's Orbits 53 providing links to Oxford Road, Etihad Campus and Cheetham Hill and Stagecoach Manchester's 50 linking MediaCityUK to East Didsbury, Manchester Piccadilly bus station, Salford Central and Salford Crescent railway stations, the University of Salford and Salford Shopping Centre.{{Citation |title=City Connect 50 |url=http://www.stagecoachbus.com/CityConnect-50.aspx |publisher=Stagecoach Bus |access-date=4 September 2012 |archive-date=22 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922222651/http://www.stagecoachbus.com/cityconnect-50.aspx |url-status=live }} A number of lower frequency routes are operated by Diamond Bus North West linking Boothstown, Worsley and Stretford with the site.
Footpaths and cycleways to Manchester city centre and 300 cycle racks encourage healthy and green ways of accessing the site.{{Citation|title=MediaCityUK |url=http://www.salford.gov.uk/mediacityuk.htm |publisher=Salford Council |access-date=5 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011110722/http://salford.gov.uk/mediacityuk.htm |archive-date=11 October 2011 }}
{{clear}}
Studios
There are several large TV and radio studio complexes in MediaCityUK,{{Citation|title=Key Occupiers|url=https://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/whos-here/key-occupiers/|access-date=31 August 2021|website=MediaCityUK|language=en-GB}} including:
- BBC (Quay House and Dock House)
- Dock10 (CBBC, CBeebies, BBC Sport and commercial productions for Channel 4, ITV and others)
- University of Salford's MediaCityUK campus
Shops and Restaurants
There are numerous shops and restaurants in MediaCityUK, including:
- Costa Coffee
- Grindsmith
- Penelope's Deli
In 2020 the nearby Lowry Outlet Mall rebranded as "Quayside MediaCityUK".{{Citation|url=https://www.visitnorthwest.com/malls/lowry-outlet-mall/|title=Quayside MediaCityUK (Lowry Outlet) – Shops, Opening Times, Parking}}
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/ Official website]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120315065221/http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/_assets/userfiles/files/Document-downloads/MCUK_BriefingDoc_Screen-Final.pdf MediaCityUK Brochure – Peel Media]
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Category:Buildings and structures in Salford
Category:BBC offices, studios and buildings
Category:ITV offices, studios and buildings
Category:Mixed-use developments in the United Kingdom