The new
MediaCity complex, located on Salford's iconic waterfront,
the Quays, is to be a major development of the former dock's
brownfield site which has lain derelict for several decades.
The BBC and other communications companies are to move there
in a dramatic decision to decentralise from the London-based
culture to a northern location.
An artist's
impression of MediaCity
Described
by Salford City Council as "....an innovative and creative
hub at Salford Quays. It will rival other new media cities
emerging around the world."
They also
assert that "... as part of the MediaCityUK Public Sector
Partner (PSP) programme, Salford City Council is involved
the development of the site and its transport infrastructure
to create an accessible investor, visitor and employee destination.
In addition, we are using this exciting development as a catalyst
to raise the profile of Salford, to raise aspirations and
to create job opportunities for local residents."
MediaCityUK
will be the country’s first digital and creative community;
the UK’s first media city
The project
is a Peel Holdings development in which Bovis Lend lease in
partnership with Salford City Council have collaborated to
create this much-publicised MediaCity in Salford Quays, surrounded
by other major buildings like the Lowry and the Imperial War
Museum North.
The construction
created opportunities for many local jobs. To date, some £225
million worth of contracts have been awarded to companies,
of which £36 million was awarded to Salford-based contractors.
Aerial
Photograph of MediaCity under construction.
Courtesy of Webb Aviation. Photo copyright © www.webbaviation.com
The project
has attracted over 50 local businesses and more workshops
are planned as more local craftsmen are employed in the completion
of the project.
University
of Salford has recently committed to a new 100,000 sq ft higher
education centre at the heart of the development.
As well
as state-of-the-art architecture and building design, green
spaces, tree-lined streets and pocket parks will be woven
into the urban and waterside environment. Waterfront walkways
will provide areas for recreation and landscaping will be
designed to encourage biodiversity.
Public
transport, walking and cycling will be encouraged. A grid
of pedestrian and cycle friendly streets will be a feature
of the site – connecting people to and within the media
hub. The potential use of river taxis is also being explored
to reduce car travel and encourage connectivity. The Metrolink
service will also be extended to the heart of mediacity:uk
and the frequency of services improved to provide a tram every
6 minutes.
Completion
planned for 2011.
See more
information on their website at http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk.
