ITV keeps MediaCity move alive amid £17m property write-off

  ITV has written off £17m in the value of its studio facilities in central Manchester and Bedford but has said a potential move of its Manchester operations to MediaCity in Salford remains alive.   The broadcaster, which this week posted losses of £2.7bn, said it had recognised the “impairment” in relation to the two property assets and would no longer classify them as “assets held for sale”.   It said disposal “may not be possible during the next 12 months, given current market conditions”.   However, ITV chairman Michael Grade signalled that a move of its Manchester production facilities to a site in Salford bordering the new BBC studios at Peel Holdings’ MediaCity was still on the agenda.   He said: “We’re in deep discussion with MediaCity and it’s something we may be able to announce. We’ll take the decision when it’s right for the staff in Manchester.”   ITV has opted to close its main studio facilities in Leeds, although the production of regional news and soap Emmerdale will remain in the city.   The future of Television House on Kirkstall Road, which dates from 1968, is unclear, although it is thought part of the five-acre site on the western side of Leeds city centre could be made available for redevelopment.   david.quinn@rbi.co.uk