MediaCityUK given go ahead to double in size

MediaCityUK is to double in size after city council planners gave the go ahead today (Thursday September 1).

Up to 10 new buildings, with a development value of more than £1bn are to be built creating over 1,400 new homes and hundreds of jobs.

The 10-year build will create hundreds of new jobs for the area which is already home to the BBC, ITV, The Lowry, dock10 studios, apartments and hotels, restaurants, cafés and bars, the University of Salford, Salford City College and the UTC.

And, with prime office space, live/work units, small business space, creative studios, a new market square and events hall, cafés, restaurants and shops along with good public transport links to the site, the potential for more jobs is huge. MediaCityUK is a joint venture between Peel Land and Property and Legal and General Capital.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett welcomed the news and said it was the second phase of a 20-year plan to transform the former docklands.

“Back in 2006, Salford City Council granted planning permission for 15.1 hectares of development. Phase one has successfully been completed and now we are moving towards the second phase which will see MediaCityUK double in size” he said.

“This phase will focus on creating welcoming neighbourhoods where people can live and work, socialise and enjoy events. It’s a very exciting development for Salford.

“With the University of Salford, Salford City College and the UTC now all based in MediaCityUK and training young people for the media and creative industries, we’re not only growing the buildings, we’re growing the people to work in them and the global digital media and communications industry.

“This is all part of a major building boom in Salford which is bringing thousands of new homes and square metres of business accommodation to our city creating further jobs and opportunities on our doorstep for the people of Salford.” 

Stephen Wild, Managing Director, MediaCityUK added: “We’re delighted to have received the support of the planning panel for the next stage in the delivery of a vision for MediaCityUK, that is shared by all our partners both public and private.  Phase two will provide a unique opportunity for a new generation of designs to complement what is already a thriving and vibrant destination.

“Like any city, we continue to grow in line with the needs of businesses, and our ambition to create more exciting experiences for visitors and residents. The plans approved today show the huge potential for the MediaCityUK of 2026.”     

Phase one of MediaCityUK is now complete, providing office and studio space for the BBC, accommodation for the University of Salford and ITV, further office space in The Landing and the Tomorrow building, two hotels, a multi-storey car park, 378 apartments, shops, restaurants, café and bar premises, new public spaces, a new Metrolink station and a pedestrian footbridge across the Manchester Ship Canal.

The phase two site, for which planning permission has now been granted extends across eight plots on  the north eastern part of the site and will provide: over 50,000 sq m of business accommodation, over 4,000 sq m of live/work units, 1,871 residential units including town houses, over 4,400 sq m of retail and leisure space and over 1,800 car parking spaces. Each plot has been designed by a different architect, with a sixth firm co-ordinating the overall layout.

Among the plans are:

The Arcade – retail/leisure and office space around a pedestrian arcade with office space above.

Studio Square – office building and pocket park.

Georgian Square – a new public courtyard, a six-storey podium on top of which would be two slender taller buildings of 14 and 25 storeys with residents terraces and winter gardens, and 18 three-storey live/work units and separate commercial office space.

Market Square – a contemporary ‘village hall’ with seating for dining and square for markets and events.

London Square – 14 three storey town houses with 460 apartments on the upper floors, and gym, cinema room and shared office space.

Northern Edge – a new ‘gateway’ to MediaCityUK comprising three buildings with 632 apartments, six two storey live/work units,  office space, retail and leisure uses, a cycle hub and three multi-storey car parks.