If you’ve got a question about MediaCityUK then have a look through our frequently asked questions to see if you can find the answer.

If not then go to our contact us page and call or drop an email to the most appropriate person.

Background

• Who owns MediaCityUK?

  MediaCityUK is owned and is managed by The Peel Group, one of the UK’s leading infrastructure, real estate and investment enterprises.

• How did MediaCityUK come about?

  The BBC announced in 2004 that it was searching for a new northern home. Along with four other potential sites, Salford Quays was shortlisted by the corporation in 2005. By January 2006, it was confirmed that Salford Quays would be the chosen location for BBC North. You can download further information about this on our Vision and history page.

• How much did it cost to build MediaCityUK?

  The Peel Group has invested approximately £650 million into MediaCityUK to date, which has involved the transformation of what was once one of Britain’s busiest docks.

• How many people worked on site during the construction of Phase One?

  Over 2,000 people were involved in the construction of MediaCityUK, with more than 7.3 million man hours spent on site. 

• What was the public sector involvement with MediaCityUK?

  Since its early conception, public sector bodies such as the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Salford City Council and the Salford Urban Regeneration Company have worked alongside The Peel Group to ensure MediaCityUK becomes a thriving visitor destination. With their help, we’ve worked towards creating a viable transport infrastructure, implementing career and apprenticeship schemes and strengthening connections with the local community.

• Who is the Peel Group?

  The Peel Group is one of the leading infrastructure, real estate and investment enterprises in the UK.  The Group’s diverse network of businesses ranges from ports to airports; land to leisure; media to hotels; wind farms to shopping centres, and a portfolio of investments in major public companies. 

Occupiers and Commercial Office Space

• Which BBC departments are at MediaCityUK and what shows do they make here?

  The BBC has been established at MediaCityUK since 2011 and produces a wide range of broadcast and online content. Around 2,500 BBC employees are working here, making a range of exciting content for BBC News, BBC Sport, 5Live, CBBC, BBC learning, future media and technology, CBeebies, as well as local TV and radio. In 2016 the BBC Three digital channel is due to join our neighbourhood too. www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/bbcnorth

• What ITV departments are at MediaCityUK and what shows do they make here?

  ITV completed its move to MediaCityUK in 2013, bringing a new and exciting dimension to our city. The teams from CITV, factual, entertainment, news and drama, the Jeremy Kyle Show and various business and support services are based in the Orange Tower. By the end of this year, they’ll be joined by the cast and crew from Coronation Street, who will start to broadcast the award-winning serial drama from its newly-built production facility here at MediaCityUK. www.itv.com

• What does the University of Salford do at MediaCityUK?

  The University of Salford was the first academic establishment to open here at MediaCityUK with a brand new digital learning, teaching and research space – where over 1,500 students are taught. Facilities include: TV and radio studios, digital media and performance labs, post-production suites and a living research facility. Programmes include journalism, animation and TV documentary-making, alongside technology-based courses. Find out more: www.mcuk.salford.ac.uk

• What is SIS’s (Satellite Information Services) involvement with MediaCityUK?

  SIS, a world leader in the television industry, is another great brand who has a home here at MediaCityUK. The internationally renowned company, run dock10 in partnership with us (Peel) and operate the largest fleet of satellite uplink and outside broadcast trucks in Europe. SIS’s significant production and engineering operations are based at MediaCityUK in the Blue Tower. They have built the largest broadcast teleport in the north of the UK, connecting MediaCityUK to the global broadcast market. BetFred TV is also made and broadcast from their MediaCityUK home. www.sis.tv

• Who are dock10?

  dock10 is one of Europe’s leading digital media service providers, at the heart of MediaCityUK. dock10 is a joint venture partnership between Peel Group and SIS. It offers you access to HD TV studios, digital post-production, cloud media management services and advanced connectivity options enabling the creation and delivery of content on, and across, any digital platform, efficiently and cost-effectively. www.dock10.co.uk

• What is The Landing?

  The Landing has well and truly landed here at MediaCityUK. It combines studio and lab services with managed workspace and fantastic connectivity. It also houses the region’s only usability rooms for testing and analysing games and interactive technologies, as well as the UK’s only digital workflow centre. The post-production hub within The Landing is a showcase for new talent and new techniques in post. The Landing also has office space available across floors 2–7 in Blue Tower, suitable for 2-15 people. thelanding.org.uk

• What smaller companies are based at MediaCityUK?

  To date over 50 small creative companies have made their home here. Based in The Greenhouse and The Pie Factory, they include casting, lighting, camera hire, PR and digital media. Take a look through our Occupiers' Directory to find out who is here.

• What is the cost of renting an office at MediaCityUK?

  We have a number of options for those wanting to take space at MediaCityUK – ranging from the White, Blue and Orange Towers, to The Greenhouse and The Pie Factory. Depending on whether you’re a freelancer, a small creative company or a large corporate, we can find the most suitable accommodation for you. Please email property@mediacityuk.co.uk for further details.

• Do I have to sign up to a long-term lease or are short-term leases available?

  To suit the varying nature of the creative industries, we do offer flexible and short-term leases in both The Greenhouse and The Pie Factory.

• What are the benefits of taking an office at MediaCityUK?

  A shared media infrastructure for maximum flexibility, purpose-built, de-risking technology decisions, proximity to content commissioners, flexible commercial office space, bespoke services (fully managed or plug and play) and a magnet for top talent.

Studios

• What Studio facilities are available at MediaCityUK?

  Our main studio complex is operated by dock10 and features HD TV studios, two audio studios, digital post-production, cloud media management services, and advanced connectivity options. The facilities complement our studio offering at The Pie Factory, MediaCityUK, where award-winning content has been made since 2007 and the studios which are available to hire within The University of Salford.

• What is The Pie Factory?

  Opened in 2007, The Pie Factory is a thriving production base housing three large sound stages. 
As you may have guessed, the building’s former life involved making pastry rather than TV, but its huge internal spaces have become an increasingly popular location for shooting everything from feature films to sofa commercials. As well as offering studio space, The Pie Factory has office space available for those businesses looking to be close to the action. Email: info@thepiefactory.co.uk

• Who manages the day-to-day operation of the Studios?

  The Studios, MediaCityUK are operated through a partnership with SIS. The Pie Factory is managed by Peel.

• Are the Studios just for use by the BBC?

  No, The Studios, MediaCityUK are managed by Peel and SIS and have been purpose-built to accommodate some of the biggest programmes in broadcasting. Both the BBC and ITV has a commitment to use The Studios for a range of flagship programmes, but both The Pie Factory and The Studios are used by independent production companies.

• Is The Pie Factory part of MediaCityUK?

  Opened in January 2007, The Pie Factory is very much part of the MediaCityUK family. With three sound stages, make-up rooms, green rooms, flexible office space, workshop space, and 24/7 security The Pie Factory is a great alternative to our studio complex. It is also home to specialist 'on-the-lot' companies, from casting agencies to camera and lighting hire.

• Are the Studios open for public tours?

  Currently The Studios are not open to general public tours. The Studios, offices and apartments will be subject to the usual building security controls, but there is no gated perimeter and MediaCityUK’s park, piazza, bars and restaurants will be open to the public in the same way as any city centre. The BBC in the North is offering tours of their buildings, include an opportunity to take a peek into some of the Studios they hire from us and make many of their flagship shows from. The tours will give visitors the chance to take a look behind the scenes and learn more about the world of broadcasting For more information and to book visit: www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours

• How do I book a studio?

  The Studios and The Pie Factory sound stages are available to hire. To book please contact: studiobookings@dock10.co.uk or info@thepiefactory.co.uk

• How do I apply for tickets to be in the audience?

  We have a host of programming now transmitted from The Studios, MediaCityUK. 
Many of the shows require audiences, so if you’d like to apply for tickets for a show, please follow the links*: BBC - Shows and Tours: www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/. ITV - Be in the audience: www.itv.com/join-the-audience. Countdown: www.channel4.com/programmes/countdown/articles/be-in-the-audience. Question of Sport: www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours. Jeremy Kyle: www.itv.com/jeremykyle/about/be-in-the-audience. Mastermind: www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/beonashow/mastermind. We also recommend taking a look at: Applause Store: www.applausestore.com/home.php. Standing Room Only (SRO): www.sroaudiences.com. *We at Peel Media and dock10 do not handle audience ticket requests for programmes made here and cannot be held responsible for any issues arising with regards to audience participation.

• Do you offer work experience at The Pie Factory or The Studios?

  Work experience opportunities (when they become available), will be advertised in the jobs section of this website.

Technology

• What is the technology offering at MediaCityUK?

  We at MediaCityUK are connected to one of the most advanced communications networks in the world. Our infrastructure has been developed to cater for the bandwidth-hungry requirements of the businesses of today. Have a look at our technology page, for further details about our offering.

Living at MediaCityUK

• Can I live at MediaCityUK?

  If you fancy making MediaCityUK your home, then our brand new apartments offer breath-taking views over MediaCityUK, Manchester and the surrounding countryside. You can choose to buy or rent or for those of you looking for more flexibility we have a range of serviced apartments available for short term lets. We also have a four-star Holiday Inn hotel, offering convenience and comfort to all our visitors. If you’d like to find out more, please contact: Buy or rent: anita.jolley@mediacityuk.co.uk or call 0161 238 7404. Serviced apartments: reservations@theheartapartments.co.uk or call 0161 820 6868. Hotel: enquiries@himediacityuk.co.uk or call 0845 2508458.

Sustainability

• How sustainable is MediaCityUK?

  Being green and clean is important to us, and there are many ways in which we try to care for and improve the MediaCityUK environment. We were awarded the status of the first sustainable community in the world by BREEAM in 2011 – one of our most innovative measures was the delivery of our own tri-generation power plant which helps to heat, cool and power the buildings at the heart of MediaCityUK. Developing a green travel infrastructure has always been important to us and so far we’ve brought a new tram stop to our city, increased bus routes and frequency, and helped to expand cycle routes. MediaCityUK is part of The Peel Group, which has achieved Carbon Trust Standard. Take a look at The Peel Group website to find out more about what we do here and across our other developments: www.peel.co.uk/responsibility/environment

Destination

• What events are taking place at MediaCityUK?

  Atmosphere is central to the MediaCityUK ethos and with a host of cultural and sporting attractions, cinemas, world class events, shopping, an abundance of bars and restaurants and a diversity of people living and working here – atmosphere is certainly something that is never lacking. MediaCityUK is Manchester’s newest destination and we love working with our neighbours and business brands to bring innovative events and activities to our community. Sign up to our email bulletin, Twitter and Facebook to keep updated with our events activities.

• How do I obtain tickets for an event being held at MediaCityUK?

  Please go direct to the event organisers website, as we at MediaCityUK don’t provide or handle tickets for events taking place here.

• Are the general public permitted to take pictures at/of MediaCityUK?

  We encourage those wanting to take images of the exterior buildings and public piazza to do so, but please be mindful of events taking place around the area you wish to photograph.

• I need to obtain an image of MediaCityUK. Who do I contact?

  In the first instance please take a look at our image gallery and/or YouTube site. If you can’t find what you need then email: press@mediacityuk.co.uk

• How do I get to MediaCityUK?

  As a destination goes, MediaCityUK is extremely well connected by a variety of different transport modes, from bus to car, tram to bike. Where we can, we encourage people working, living or visiting our destination to travel sustainably and responsibly by offering a range of non-car options. Take a look at our Getting Here page to see the various ways in which you can get to us.

• What is the height restriction for the MediaCityUK car park?

  The entry is set at 1.9 metres.

• Do you have disabled bays in the MediaCityUK car park?

  Yes we have 17 disabled bays available.

• If I am shopping at Booths, do I have to pay for parking?

  Customers shopping at Booths here at MediaCityUK get the first hours parking FREE (up to the value of £1.80) when they spend £20 or more in store. This will be refunded at the till at point of purchase. Please note: Customers parking in to the un-covered surface car park opposite Booths who fail to purchase a ticket will be fined.

Jobs, Work Placements and Charity requests

• How can I find out about jobs at MediaCityUK?

  We at Peel Media own and manage MediaCityUK. We are a small team, so we don’t have a large number of staff positions and those that we do have, will be advertised on this web page. There are over 200 businesses based at MediaCityUK, all of whom you can find in our occupiers’ directory. When asked, we will share their job opportunities via our Twitter feed – so keep your eyes peeled. We would also suggest you take a look at the job pages of some of the major organisations based at MediaCityUK, for their latest opportunities: BBC www.bbc.co.uk/careers/home. dock10 www.dock10.co.uk/jobs. ITV www.itvjobs.com. SIS www.sis.tv/careers. Lowry Outlet: www.lowryoutlet.co.uk/jobs.

• How do I apply for work experience?

  We advise you to contact the businesses located here specifically to find out about their work experience placements and opportunities.

• Can you help with my charitable request?

  We get inundated on a daily basis with requests for charitable prize donations. We (Peel Media) are the developers and owners of MediaCityUK, don’t manage or have access to prize donations – in particular requests for tickets for programmes being made at MediaCityUK. We would advise you to contact the programme makers direct to request donations of this nature. At present, we (Peel Media) work closely with a range of organisations who we offer charitable support and are not looking to support any further charities at present.