The BBC has ruled out its current facilities in Manchester’s Oxford Road as a home for its planned relocation of sports and children’s departments to the city.
Following a meeting of BBC governors yesterday at which the go-ahead for the Manchester move was rubber-stamped, the existing Oxford Road facilities were ruled out as unsuitable.
The BBC has now narrowed down the list of possible Manchester site options from 18 to just four and favours a “media zone” in partnership with other media occupiers.
The broadcaster will not comment on the sites it is considering, although they are believed to include the possibility of sharing facilities with Granada on Quay Street.
Other sites thought to be under consideration are a site owned by Ask Developments at Greengates in Salford, a site owned by Peel Holdings at Salford Quays and a site on Manchester’s Whitworth Street.
A final decision on the chosen site is expected in the New Year.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) welcomed the statement of intent by the BBC governors.
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said: “The development of a strengthened BBC presence in the region is hugely important to our economy and employment opportunities.
“The NWDA will now work with the BBC on their plans and will be emphasising that the move should bring with it real money and decision making power.”
The Manchester move could involve as many as 1,800 staff and is scheduled to take place by 2010.
References: EGi News 21/10/05
