work begins at mediacity:uk as BBC's director general attends ceremony

The BBC's Director General Mark Thompson is guest of honour tonight (June 13th) at a special reception to celebrate the signing of contracts and the confirmation of the BBC's relocation of five departments to Salford Quays.

The reception marks the start of the mediacity:uk project - a 200 acre development to create the UK's first purpose-built media city at Salford Quays - following the signing of contracts between the BBC and developer Peel Holdings Ltd.

The evening ceremony will be attended by over 200 guests at The Pie Factory, a former food manufacturing facility which has been refitted to provide high quality TV production and sound stages for broadcasters, advertising production companies and media-related businesses.

The Pie Factory at mediacity:uk is already open for business and will be joined over the next five years by leading broadcasting, media and technology companies who will occupy new high specification office, studio and production space within a dramatic waterfront setting at Salford Quays.

With contracts now signed, work is already underway onsite to transform 200 acres of former dockland into an internationally significant media community for the creative industries. The development will be home not only to leading broadcasters but the full spectrum of media and creative companies, as well as new retail, leisure and residential space.

Bryan Gray, Chairman, Northwest Regional Development Agency and Chair of the mediacity:uk steering group, said, on behalf of The Consortium:

"This event signals the start of mediacity:uk. With the BBC signed up to the project, we can now move swiftly to transform this area into an internationally significant media community that will provide the very best facilities for creative companies to thrive. mediacity:uk will position the North of England firmly on the media map not only in this country but on the world stage."

John Whittaker, Chairman of Peel Holdings said:
"We are delighted that the BBC has now committed to its move to mediacity:uk. I look forward to working with the BBC and other media partners in developing the world's leading creative, technology and media environment. Peel, supported by our partners Salford City Council, Salford URC and the NWDA, is equally committed to doing what we do best and delivering an iconic development of the highest quality that will benefit not just the northwest but the UK as a whole."

Cllr John Merry, Leader of Salford City Council said:
"This event marks the start of an ambitious dream becoming a reality. It is both a celebration of all the hard work that has brought us to this very significant point, and is testimony to our commitment to create a media city that will be a flagship for creative industries in the UK and beyond.
"Our regional economy, particularly in the knowledge and creative sectors, is already strong and a development of this scale with a wealth of new jobs and educational opportunities can only bolster its reputation and standing."

Felicity Goodey, Chairman, Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company said:

"mediacity:uk will transform the UK's digital media industries. This is one of the fastest growing and changing global businesses. It's not just about broadcasting or games; digital technology is changing every aspect of the way we communicate. mediacity:uk is designed to attract and retain the talented and creative people who are driving this new industrial revolution."

The news signals the start of one of the most significant developments in British broadcasting in recent years. mediacity:uk is a national project of international importance and will deliver a significant economic boost to the North of England and the UK media and creative industry. Once complete, the development is forecast to deliver £1bn in additional net value added to the economy over 5 years. It will create employment opportunities for over 15,000 people and provide space for provide space for an estimated 1,150 media, creative and related businesses.

mediacity:uk has been developed by a partnership of Peel Holdings Ltd, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company and Salford City Council.

Notes to editors:

- The agreement between the BBC and Peel Holdings gives the go ahead for the relocation of five departments to mediacity:uk including BBC Children's, BBC Children's Learning, BBC Sport, BBC Radio Five Live, and parts of BBC Future Media and Technology (including BBC Research & Development). The five BBC departments moving from London will be joined by BBC staff currently based at the BBC site on Oxford Road in Manchester.

- Approximately 1,500 London-based posts will relocate to Salford Quays in 2011 and an estimated 800 staff, currently based at the BBC in Manchester, will also join them on the new site.

- The BBC will move to three, high-quality buildings during 2011 as part of phase 1 of the development. The mixed-use buildings include office space, production facilities and a studio block covering 46,475sq m of commercial accommodation. Land owners Peel Holdings gained planning approval for the three BBC buildings in April 2007.

- The three BBC buildings lie at the heart of the 200-acre mediacity:uk development and will complement The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North across the water to form a striking focal point.

- mediacity:uk will create a new environment for the biggest brands in broadcasting and new media to flourish. It will deliver the best possible facilities in a purpose-built location, providing a robust infrastructure for major broadcasters to operate 24/7, with the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the industry.

- Once complete, mediacity:uk will deliver over 200 million in additional net value added each year. It will attract private investment of over £300m in the first phase alone, provide space for an estimated 1,150 media, creative and related businesses and provide employment opportunities for 15,500 people.

- Salford Quays is already a well-established destination attracting a cluster of media related businesses. Its theatres, galleries, museums, cinema, shops, bars, restaurants and water sports attract more than four million visitors each year; 13,000 people already work here and almost 7,000 call it home.