MediaCityUK set to double in size

Salford City Council planners have given the go ahead for plans that will see MediaCityUK double in size.

A £1bn expansion will create up to ten new buildings, 1,400 new homes and hundreds of employment opportunities.

MediaCityUk 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.

This new phase is part of a 20-year plan to transform the Salford docklands by a joint venture between Peel Land and Property, and Legal and General Capital.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett commented: “Back in 2006, Salford City Council granted planning permission for 15 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.

“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.”

Plans for the second phase of redevelopment include:

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, with a six-storey podium on top of which would be two slender taller buildings of 14 and 25 storeys.

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

MediaCityUK Managing Director Stephen Wild said: “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.”