Media City Fry-Up, bumber July edition: Breakfast in Salford and yet more jobs…
posted Thu 15th Jul, 2010
If you haven't been following us on twitter or facebook (and why not?) you may have missed a busy week for MediaCityUK news.
- First off, the BBC has announced it's intention to relocate BBC Breakfast to MediaCityUK, Salford Quays. The story began as a strong rumour we picked up on twitter, followed by much speculation and generally negative responses from the national media.
The BBC moved quickly, and by Wednesday the move was officially announced. Helen Boaden, Director, BBC News, said: "BBC Breakfast is the most watched breakfast programme in the UK and loved by millions. It has a fantastic connection with audiences across the UK and we want to build on that."
Peter Salmon, director of BBC North said, "The move of Breakfast is especially symbolic as it is the first time a BBC Network News programme will come from outside London – a real vote of confidence in our new enterprise."
An attempt to create a full english Breakfast, if you like.
The move means that more than three hours a day of live BBC One output will now come from MediaCity, and around 88 roles across BBC Breakfast and operational posts are expected to relocate. It is yet to be seen how many current Breakfast staff will make the move.
You can read more details straight from the horses mouth. - Riding high on the wave of such an earth-shattering announcement, the BBC then surprised us all by announcing yet more jobs were heading to Media City, namely 43 positions from Marketing, Communications & Audiences and 75 from Future Media & Technology.
The BBC's Director of Future Media and Technology, Erik Huggers, said: "Just as Broadcasting House is associated with the rise of radio, and Television Centre with TV, I believe that MediaCity will become the BBC's centre for the internet age.
"Moving our connected TV and mobile product teams north, together with a core part of BBC Online, is very much part of realising this vision."
It was also announced that an additional two comedy shows will be commissioned by BBC North at MediaCity by 2012/13.
Sinead Greenaway, CEO at Peel Media (developers of MediaCityUK) reacted positively to this tidal wave of news - "We at Peel Media are delighted...This news is testimony to the BBC's commitment to make their new home here at MediaCityUK a success."
Again, you can read more details from the beeb itself.
How's that for a round-up? But wait, there's more! (I'll do these as one liners, I know you're busy)
- Salford Uni has announced the appointment of Jon Corner, founder of Liverpool based production house River Media, as their new MediaCityUK Director - replacing John Holland. More details here.
- Mammoth Graphics, who produce graphics for the BBC, ITV and Sky amongst others, have opened an office within The Pie Factory, MediaCityUK; their first base outside London. More details at How-Do.
- The Reverend Hayley Matthews has been named as chaplain to MediaCityUK by the Church of England. More from the BBC.
- Peter Salmon (Director, BBC North) has made it to no.84 in the Guardian's 100 most powerful people in media. Presumably after this week's announcements he'll be popping up a little higher next year.
- Peel Media is looking to fill a handful of new Technology and Studio-based roles at MediaCity - click here for the full list.
..so a busy couple of weeks overall, and still over a year to go before it's all truly up and running!
Be sure to follow our highly recommended twitter feed for all the late breaking MediaCity news...
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Urban Explorers strike again at MediaCityUK
posted Wed 26th May, 2010 - 08:40 AM | 1 comment
A group of urban explorers have once again infiltrated the MediaCityUK construction site at Salford Quays.
The group of five managed to beat security and take more fantastic pictures - this time from the highest point of MediaCity - 300 feet up at the top of the South Tower of the Studio Block (also known as the Media Enterprise Centre).
One of the team - known by his alias 'Rookie' - describes the visit on his blog;
"With a military precision entrance, we made it to our chosen building, got the photo's and made our way back down...
...Only when we thought we were home and dry, did we realise that we were spotted by security; the only thing to do was run. Guards looked on, from their posts with astonishment, as they seen a team of guys sprinting through the site. Safe to say, we did not stop running till we were well out of the area."
Check out some of the snaps below;
For more details and all the photos check out the blogs of the explorers Gone, Jimmy Halfway and Rookie.
'Gone' had previously gained access to the site in February, when he and fellow urban explorer Jim Gillette reached the top of the 25 floor 'Heart' apartment block. Gone discusses the most recent trip at nwex.co.uk.
For an idea of how the site has developed, check out the pictures I took from the same point back in July '09 from the MediaCityUK topping out ceremony.
Thanks to Gone for the tip!
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ITV move to Salford Quays imminent, is MediaCityUK full? (Update: No.)
posted Mon 24th May, 2010 - 06:43 AM
Update: Peel has just issued a comment via twitter in response to this story: "Peel Media has no comment on ITV story. Speculation that phase 1 is full is incaccurate and we still welcome discussions with companies..."
Peel have asked that we make it clear that MediaCity is not full, and they welcome discussions with any companies interested in MediaCityUK.
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Update #2: ITV has told both Crain's and How-Do that the move to MediaCityUK is by no means a done deal. ITV said, "We are continuing to examine two options regarding ITV's base in the North West."
Thus the wait goes on...
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Crain's today reports that ITV is expected to take all the remaining space at MediaCityUK in a long expected move from their city centre home to MediaCityUK, Salford Quays.
There has been no official announcement, but Crain's quotes unnamed individuals close to the situation who claim a deal is almost done.
The deal would apparently include the relocation of Coronation Street to the earmarked site opposite MediaCity, next to the Imperial War Museum.
Other reasons for mounting speculation include reports that potential clients interested in MediaCity have been turned away (see update above), despite there being 100,000 sq ft still vacant. There are also suggestions that the recent redundancy of MediaCity's business development head Jason Legget indicates a completion of the first phase of MediaCityUK.
There has been no official confirmation from Peel or ITV, but if true the news would signal the completion of phase 1 of MediaCityUK with their first major commercial tenant.
You can read the full story at Crain's, and Crain's editor Steve Brauner's analysis here. (Subscription required).
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WHSmith planned for MediaCityUK
posted Fri 21st May, 2010 - 05:05 PM
WHSmith will set up shop within the open centre at MediaCityUK's new studio facility - answering the hugely important question of where BBC staff will be able to get a copy of Heat.
The 1,000 sq ft. unit will open in 2011 selling all manner of typical Smith's goodies, and joins supermarket chain Booths as the second confirmed retailer on site at MediaCity.
Bryan Gray, Chairman of the Peel Media Group said: “Ensuring we have the appropriate blend of retail outlets at MediaCityUK is paramount to creating the right ambience and building a city environment. WHSmith are a well-known high street brand and we are pleased that they will be serving the needs of visitors, residents and employees at MediaCityUK."
Hopefully they will have one of those big Pick n' Mix stands aswell.
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MediaCityUK Round-Up: Jason Legget leaves Peel, plus new MediaCity buses en route
posted Thu 20th May, 2010 - 03:08 AM
It's been a while since our last update, but we've managed to harvest some MediaCity links that you might find interesting...
- MediaCity's head of business development Jason Legget has left the project, after Peel Media apparently made his role redundant.
The Salford Star was first to break the news, highlighting that Legget had been in the job for little over a year. (Similarly, finance director Paul Ryan is leaving this month after a year, and previous managing director Brian Greasley held his position for less than a year).
Peel Media issued a brief statement wishing Legget well, but there has been no further explanation as to the reasons behind the decision. More info at How-Do. - Funding has been granted that should ensure buses between Salford Crescent and MediaCityUK from 2011, reports SalfordOnline. The Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority secured a £382,076 grant for the new bus route, which would currently require passengers to make two changes.
Buses from the Crescent to the Quays were one of the improvements promised if Manchester had approved the congestion charge - which we didn't. Looks like there's one improvement we'll be getting without the charge. - Alex Connock (Chief Executive of Ten Alps - right) has become the University of Salford Visiting Professor of Media Business.
Vice-Chancellor Martin Hall said: "I'm delighted to welcome Alex to Salford at a time when the University is making huge strides in strengthening its relationships with the media industry as we build up to the opening of our facility at MediaCityUK."
Connock joins Shameless dramatist Paul Abbott and The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr on the honorary academic staff of Salford Uni. More info here.
Finally, work continues at pace down on the construction site - check out the MediaCity Photographic Timeline for the latest pictures. There was also a sneaky peak inside one of the BBC buildings on North West Tonight last week - check that out here.
I went for a walk around the site recently and shot some video, you can get a bit of and idea of how it's taking shape:
ps. for daily updates join us on facebook and twitter!
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I've just fixed the commenting system on the blog, which appears to have been malfunctioning for the past month or so. Apologies to anyone who has posted recently without any success, please do post again if you can be bothered! Jun 09, 2009 - 04:16 AM
CBBC are looking for new drama writers - if you fancy a future job at MediaCityUK check it out - http://bit.ly/10wvA0 May 21, 2009 - 01:14 AM
Not a lot of MediaCityUK news to report since the ITV bombshell, except perhaps this article from the FT about the positive impact MediaCityUK is likely to have on Salford and the surrounding areas. The article also provides a quick introduction to the local housing market - useful if you're looking at relocating to Salford. Mar 26, 2009 - 11:04 PM
Debate about the BBC's staff relocation packages continues to rumble on and on - Liz Hunt at the Telegraph says, "I can't be the only taxpayer with northern credentials who feels insulted by the implication that having to up sticks from the South East is akin to an enforced relocation to Mogadishu or Harare." (full article here). Meanwhile, Andy Spinoza at How-Do offers some relocation advice to BBC staff - "Some media people will find the value, community, and friendliness on offer in the likes of Monton and Eccles more appealing than the fancy nick-nack shops of Didsbury..." (full article here). Mar 13, 2009 - 12:22 AM
The Manyoo apartment towers in Salford Quays will be built, despite one of the developers behind it going into administration, reports the MEN. Manyoo will have 1,036 apartments over four towers that will `quite literally change the skyline of Salford Quays'. Mar 04, 2009 - 07:04 AM
Interesting article over at The Life of Wylie about the problems piling up for ITV; chief amongst them the need to make a decision about selling the Manchester site in Quay Street and moving to MediaCityUK, Salford. (via SalfordQuays.org) Feb 19, 2009 - 02:54 AM
Former journalist Aziz Rashid has been announced as the new head of BBC North West - "we have an exciting future ahead with our move to Salford Quays in 2011." (full article at the MEN) Feb 17, 2009 - 11:09 PM
The Guardian has a short article about some of the problems facing HBOS, one of which (according to the Guardian) is their £350m backing of MediaCityUK. (via SalfordQuays.org) Feb 17, 2009 - 11:00 PM
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