£18bn MediaCityUK expansion set for green light

Ambitious plans to double the size of MediaCityUK in Salford Quays over the next decade by creating up to ten new buildings with a development value of more than £1bn look set to be given the green light.Peel Media was granted outline consent for the second phase of MediaCityUK in October 2006 and had ten years to bring forward detailed applications for each building. It submitted a reserved matters application for the second phase in June 2016 and this is due to be considered by Salford City Council’s planning committee next Thursday (1 September 2016).Phase one of MediaCityUK is now complete and comprises seven plots with key tenants including the BBC, ITV, dock10, SIS and the University of Salford. Phase two features 540,000 sq ft of offices, 1,800 apartments, retail and leisure areas, and public spaces with a pedestrian promenade running through the scheme.In addition to the reserved matters application, Peel Media has also submitted a full planning application for a one-storey mixed-use building to be used as a venue for markets and events. It is envisaged that the primary purpose of the building would be as a market hall with seating for dining inside, although it could also host occasional events such as performances, receptions or film screenings. The Jeffrey Bell-designed scheme also involves a public square outside the building that could be used for markets and events as well.Ahead of the meeting, a report prepared by planning officers has recommended that both the reserved matters application and the full planning application should be approved.MediaCityUK is a joint venture between Peel Land and Property and Legal and General Capital.A team led by master planners Chapman Taylor was appointed to design the individual plots. The design team for phase two also includes Sheppard Robson, Jeffrey Bell, Hodder Associates, 5plus, AHR, Gillespies and NJL Consulting.