CORONATION Street could be on the move from Manchester as ITV Granada considers its future in the city.
Two options are under discussion for the possible sale of their Quay Street site, while the company talks to both Manchester and Salford councils about its future location.
One is for Granada and the historic Corrie set to stay where they are, with surplus parts of the 21-acre site sold for development.
But another option involves a move to Salford to join the BBC at the planned MediaCity, which could result in the cobbles being dug up and a near identical set re-created on the new site.
Although bosses are reluctant to move Coronation Street, a sale of the entire Quay Street site would raise a large sum for ITV, with savings to be made via a possible relocation.
ITV chief executive Charles Allen confirmed before stepping down last month that Granada was interested in being a partner in MediaCity.
He said: "The question is, do you have it in one physical location, or is it across Salford and Manchester?
"Whether it's better to all be on the same site, ITV will make that decision in due course."
Salford Quays
Having lost out to Salford in the bid to host the é400m BBC move north, Manchester council is keen to persuade ITV Granada to stay in the city. But those backing MediaCity believe there is an argument for the company to move to their new 200-acre site at Salford Quays.
The added complication is that the BBC North project - crucial to MediaCity - is still not a done deal. BBC director general Mark Thompson warned this week that it might have to be abandoned if the government fails to grant enough cash in the new licence fee settlement.
Granada already plans to move 800-plus staff into the Bonded Warehouse building, once part of the Granada Studio Tours attraction. They are currently in the 1960s administration building - with the original red rooftop Granada sign.
That part of the site has been earmarked for a possible extension of developments already under way, including offices, shops, leisure and homes projects. The question now is: Will Granada decide to vacate the rest of the site and move, or be persuaded to stay in Manchester?
Corrie's first episode was in 1960, with the entire set inside a studio. The first outside set was seen in 1968, with the current exteriors built in 1982. Almost 49,000 bricks and 6,500 slates were reclaimed from Salford to give Weatherfield the right look.
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Corrie set could switch to new city
October 14, 2006
OPTIONS: The Rovers Return... will time be called for a move?
Showing comments 1 to 15 and replies | View All
ace riley, manchester (14/10/2006 at 11:37)
Alvin Star., Irlam. (14/10/2006 at 13:53)
ace riley, manchester (14/10/2006 at 17:25)
Alvin Star., Irlam. "he thinks we should resite manchester??.
What a great intellect??"i bet he thinks im giving him praise"heehee
Buttyboy, Manchester (14/10/2006 at 17:42)
The distance between Granada Television's current studios and The Lowry (close enough to Mediacity, if it ever happens) is 2.5 miles. I've just done a route check.
Coronation Street moves to a different city! Yes, well, I suppose some politicians and journalists cling on to the daft and pretty meaningless borders set up by Ted Heath's government.
In everything except politics (culture, economy, sport, crime, environment) Manchester and Salford are the same city. (It's not as though there's a Salford Evening News or this is on SalfordOnline, is it?) The Irwell is not the Atlantic. It's easy to get over. Most people aren't even aware it's the border.
So if Granada moves to Salford, what will happen? Absolutely nothing at all!
If Granada were to pack up Weatherfield and move to Leeds to share facilities with Emmerdale, Heartbeat etc, that would be a story.
adman, SALFORD (14/10/2006 at 17:51)
Andrew, Manchester (14/10/2006 at 18:11)
pat, worsley (14/10/2006 at 19:05)
Jack Smart, Salford - Greater Manchester (14/10/2006 at 23:03)
A P HOBDAY, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD (15/10/2006 at 01:16)
ANDY, MCR (15/10/2006 at 13:40)
ex mancunian, sydney australia (15/10/2006 at 20:26)
Blue John, Melb. Oz. (ex M/c 19 ) (16/10/2006 at 05:22)
Gary, SK13 (16/10/2006 at 13:21)
Emma, Salford Quays (16/10/2006 at 13:43)
corrie fan, salford (16/10/2006 at 18:56)