BBC Chooses Salford Quays For Major Expansion
Salford Media City has emerged as the leading contender for the site of the BBC's Manchester expansion plans. BBC governors chose Salford Quays after months of discussion. The BBC will now enter into exclusive discussions with Salford MediaCity as the "leading bidder in principle" after it fought off a rival bid from central Manchester to house the media centre
Salford plans to establish a media zone, with the BBC as principal tenant., with the plans forming a key part of the corporation's out of London strategy to broaden the regional diversity of its output.
A statement from the BBC's Board of Governors said, providing outstanding issues between the parties could be resolved then Salford would be confirmed as the "preferred bidder"
The statement went on to say "Should it not be possible for BBC management to resolve the outstanding issues to our satisfaction by the end of that period, exclusivity will end.
"The Governors' decision marks a significant step forward in realising a vision for a less London-centric BBC.
"Our final decision will be based on two key factors: whether the move represents value for money for licence fee payers, on which work is continuing; and the affordability of the project, with a final decision not able to be taken until the licence fee settlement is known."
Talks will now take place between the BBC and backers of the Salford bid, but a final decision will be held off until the BBC licence fee settlement is signed off> This is not expected before October.
BBC Director-General Mark Thompson said: "I'm pleased that we have taken another step forward in our proposals to create a major new centre for network broadcasting in the North of England.
We remain very conscious that our proposal must still meet our stringent value for money criteria and be affordable.
"I believe this presents a unique opportunity for other broadcasters and the independent sector to join us in a project that could bring very significant benefits for audiences and for the economy of the North of England."
Comments
The site now consists of 6 cranes with a 7th on the way (crane base in place). Most of the concrete cores of the new BBC building look to be in place or started, rising to 9-10 stories (maybe more) for the highest cores.
The land for the taller buildings off to the side of the main BBC building (right from the Lowry Centre side) is still being dug and prepared but more temporary cabins are in place off Broadway (the road that runs through the back of the Quays) presumably to house more MediaCIty:UK project staff and a contingent of the BBC (cameramen) looking at the latest articles across the internet.
The current phase of the build occupies 35-40 acres (next to the City Lofts flats) with other phases planned across the water on the Imperial War Museum side.
The overall site is something of the order of 200 acres but no visible signs of development has started outside the main phase 1 area currently. No doubt this will depend on discussions with other media companies being persuaded to join the MediaCity:UK estate.
For a photographic timeline for November / December and beyond (and pictures back to June of this year), go to Google and search on 'media city uk salford quays timeline q4'.
Judging be the pace of the development, there is a big push on to meet the 2010/11 date for the first phase completion.
Those currently thinking about a career in the media by way of a chosen degree (media studies, photography etc.) might be one of the 15,500 new jobs to be created between now and 2011 in the first phase of this build. Also, the price of properties (and especially flats) in the area will almost certainly rise as a result of the considerable development occuring in this location with new flats being built currently.
I have worked as an IT Manager in Salford Quays for 12 years and live in North Bolton. When I first came here, the skyline of the Quays area was relatively flat but now houses such buildings as The Designer Outlet (80 outlet stores), The iconic Lowry and Imperial War Museum Buildings and new flat developments which continue to be built in anticipation of the BBC move and general growth in this area.
Thanks Mark for keeping us updated like this. Salford Quays has certainly been transformed, with more yet to come. Looks as if it is going to be an exciting and innovative place to work in.
Once again, thanks for keeping us informed.
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