posted Tue 09th Feb, 2010
Other notable mentions this week:
posted Wed 27th Jan, 2010 - 12:17 AM | 6 comments
Two urban explorers have visited MediaCity and taken some amazing night shots from the top of the 'Heart' apartments.
Known only as 'Jim Gillette' and 'Gone', our two fearless exploration experts managed to gain access to the construction site and headed to the top of the 25 floor apartment block.
From there they snapped some fantastic images of the BBC's new home on the quays, and surrounding Salford and Manchester.
Describing their adventure on his blog, Jim writes, "Security was, as to be expected, tight. But as these pictures show, it wasn't watertight ;)
"Fancying our chances, we went for it. After infiltrating the site itself, access to the 25 floor "Heart" apartment building was as inviting as an ice cold cider at the end of a long summer's day."
Commenting on the Urban Exploration forum 28dayslater, Gone says, "Entrance and exit was pretty crazy with a few slips".
The visit will no doubt raise concerns about security at MediaCityUK, but for now let's just relax and take in the view...
To see all the images, be sure to check out both Explorer's blogs at goneeightyfive.blogspot.com and jimgilletteue.blogspot.com
You can also follow the threads on the topic at the Urban Explorer forums 28dayslater and NWEX.
all images used with permission.
posted Sun 10th Jan, 2010 - 11:24 PM
According to the Guardian, ITV have now resumed talks with Peel to relocate their central Manchester site (including Coronation Street) to MediaCityUK.
ITV's move to the Quays has been long-expected, but negotiations broke down in March last year - with ITV's Chief Operating Officer John Cresswell claiming that Peel had "dramatically scaled back its financial commitment to the ITV element of the project."
The move now seems to be back on track, following the appointment of new ITV chairman Archie Norman. Bryan Gray, chairman of Peel Media said, "ITV have a particular requirement in Coronation Street. I can confirm that we've offered them a package." (more at the Guardian).
The BBC has launched their Jobs at BBC North mini-site, aimed at people interested in working for the BBC at MediaCity from 2011.
The site features information on the departments moving to the Quays (Radio 5 Live, Children's, Learning, Sport, and Future Media & Technology) and the job areas that the Beeb will be looking to fill.
There's also interviews with some of the various BBC staff who'll be making the move, most of whom seem pretty sold on MediaCity and can't wait to get up here. Here's director of BBC North Peter Salmon, selling the MediaCityUK vision -
Finally, American children's television company Little Airplane are the latest to be considering a base at MediaCityUK.
Little Airplane have offices in New York and London, and create '3rd & Bird' for CBeebies (CBeebies will relocate to MediaCity as part of BBC Children's) and the fantastic 'Wonder Pets!' for Nickelodeon Jr.
Founder Josh Selig was previously a writer on Sesame Street, and received ten Emmy Awards for his writing on the show.
Little Airplane will be visiting the site this week, and Josh Selig has confirmed to us that they are indeed interested in MediaCity, although no decisions have yet been made. In the meantime, check out the video below to find out more, or follow them on twitter at twitter.com/littleairplane
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posted Mon 04th Jan, 2010 - 09:12 PM
The Rugby Football League (RFL) is considering a permanent presence at MediaCityUK for their PR and Communications teams.
The RFL (which administers the National Rugby League Team, Challenge Cup, National Leagues and Super League) is planning the move to take advantage of the relocation of BBC Sport to Salford Quays, which takes place next year.
Speaking to the Rugby League Express, Chief Executive Nigel Wood said, "We are currently exploring the opportunity of taking a permanent office within the new Media City at Salford Quays for our PR and communications team. With the BBC set to move north in 2011 we are one of the few sporting governing bodies in a position to have a presence there..."
"...The BBC's move presents a superb opportunity for Rugby League. Having so many influential journalists living in the Rugby League heartland will ensure that they, too, are immersed in the weekly excitement that our competition brings."
Meanwhile, it was today reported that of the BBC departments asked to relocate to Salford, the BBC Sports staff were the most enthusiastic - with 58% saying yes. (Radio 5Live a close second with 56%, and BBC Learning, Marketing and Technology lagging behind with just 26%).
Both announcements will be a boost to MediaCityUK's sporting ambitions... and could encourage other sports bodies and organisations to consider the benefits of a base at Salford Quays.
H/T: The Guardian
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posted Sun 20th Dec, 2009 - 09:57 PM
Well here it is folks - the final MediaCityUK round-up of 2009.
As we head into 2010 there's an awful lot of cash being committed to projects at MediaCity - allow me to draw your attention to a few examples:
With me so far? good. Here's a few extra MediaCityUK-related news items that you might have missed...
So that's about it for the naughties...but as we speed into 2010 there's still one big question - who's gonna be next to sign up? We start 2010 much like 2009 - the BBC and Salford Uni all signed up, but as yet no major commercial tenant.
Perhaps this will be the year ITV joins the party (though that currently looks pretty unlikely) - but with the BBC making a big recruitment push next year and the development nearing completion, hopefully it won't be long before we've got some big hitters to report on.
Finally, thanks to everyone who's read, replied, commented, emailed, tweeted or re-tweeted anything on the blog this year. Hopefully you've found something useful or valuable here...and we've got some improvements planned for the new year, so watch this space. (If you have any comments or suggestions you can contact me directly at michael@mediacityblog.com.)
Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Decade!
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