DETAILS of a futuristic 200-acre Media City have been revealed as part of Salford's bid to lure the BBC when it sets up its headquarters in the north.
If the BBC chooses to move to Salford rather than Manchester, the broadcaster would be at the heart of the massive new development, surrounded by media-linked businesses.
The BBC is set to move north to Manchester or Salford in 2010 with 1,500 jobs and five departments switching from London.
A decision on which site the BBC prefers is due in June. Manchester has already said it could generate 4,400 jobs if it wins.
Development
But the development on land in Salford and Trafford, all owned by Peel Holdings - owners of the Trafford Centre shopping mall - would be a modern city with its own attractions.
These would include narrow streets, shops, apartments, public squares, another bridge across the Manchester Ship Canal and everything modern city dwellers need from "doctors and dentists to dry cleaners and delis".
The development - to be called Media City UK - would also have
floating "pods" in dock basins to be used for conferences,
electronic signage beamed on to windows, a
custom-built studio for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra,
public art embedded into the fabric of buildings, and possibly a
high school nearby specialising in media studies.
Visitors
The location already attracts 4m visitors a year thanks partly to The Lowry arts centre and nearby Imperial War Museum.
The scheme is an alternative to Manchester's bid to lure the BBC to a site known as the "Central Spine" between Oxford Road and Chester Road.
Salford is confident that its bid led by the city council, Peel, and Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company can succeed. Felicity Goodey, team leader of the Salford bid, said: "This is bigger than just Salford. It is important to the North of England and for UK plc.
"We've nowhere like it in the UK. Media City would allow creative energy to explode into thousands of applications and we have the space to nurture hundreds of businesses and thousands of talented people for the future.
Culture
"We have existing fantastic cultural attractions. The BBC would be a magnet for other independent production companies, who will make films and programmes for them.
"We already have five radio stations based at the Quays and 130 media-related companies."
The first phase of the scheme would include a major commercially-operated studio complex and visitor attractions, including shops and bars, hotels, and gyms.
There would also be high quality buildings suitable for the BBC and a mix of affordable and "executive" housing.
WHO has the most impressive bid - Salford or Manchester? Have your say.
PLUS: Vote in our poll to see where you would home the BBC.
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Having recently visited Salford Quays its is the most impressive areas of regeneration within the Northwest. The scope of development opportunity for the BBC within a modern environment far outweighs that available within the outskirts of Manchester City Centre bordering Hulme, which I believe is the alternative bid.
Like many TV licence holders our expectation is for the BBC to invest our money properly for the long term benefit of its customers and the BBC, the Salford venue presents that opportunity.
My message to the BBC is go for Salford!
Who cares which they go for?? It's all good news for the North West in general.
IT WOULD NOT SOUND RIGHT, BBC SALFORD. SOUNDS LIKE AN OLD ECCLES CAKE. MANCHESTER IS THE FUTURE - PERIOD!
The people have spoken! 75% Salford 25% Manchester as of 9pm 4/5/06 - according to the online MEN poll.
Salford Quays has all the advantages of a major town without the problems. It has easy access, a growing shopping & social scene, space to grow into and fabulous architecture!
Good luck to Salford!
I believe that Salford is the better choice. The Lowry Centre was built and has been a great attraction for people from all over the world. By having the BBC come to Salford as well would bring prestige to the area and continue to attract people to live and work in this upcoming area.
Salford without a doubt. The plans sound fantastic and with all the motorway access comuting will be easy for people. Manchester has had millions invested so lets give Salford a chance!!
Thank You George from BRIGHTON !!! for your interest in the Northern BBC location. Do not think this is about trade names, it is about tuning into a successful future. Be sure Salford Quays BBC has a very nice ring to it. With landmark buildings like Harbour City, The Lighthouse and The Ancourage and proud street names paying tribute to Canadian/Heritage Grain Trade, like St Lawrence Quay, Vancouver Quay and Labrador. Let me enlighten more, as Montreal City, in Canada, is showing interest in a new twin city status, made after Salford become The World Triathlon Games' Host. Best choice is simple, Salford has space, vision, new opportunities
and is head on 4 a fantastic future.
This really has to go to Salford, the bid is amazing, and it would give the BBC so much kudos to be at the heart of such radical change as Salford Quays. It's almost taylor made for a Media City, I'm so hopeful the BBC will make the right choice.