by Denis Hall
Granada Television have submitted plans to Salford council for a £200m leisure, retail and business scheme. In two parts, next to their Manchester HQ and on the opposite bank of the River Irwell in Salford, the project will be linked by a bridge.
To be known as Media City, the scheme would occupy a 15-acre site. At present, plans include 380,000 sq ft of offices and business space in major landmark office towers, individual office buildings for owner-occupiers and low-rise office campus buildings.
The complex will provide a conference centre, speciality shopping, a nightclub, pubs and restaurants. There are also plans for a 136-bedroom hotel, for which Granada have already obtained permission to refurbish a 140-year-old warehouse building.
In addition to the Hampson Street Bridge and the Irwell Street Bridge which already link the site, the plans propose a new bridge.
If consent is given, work could begin on developing the site next spring with completion in 1995. Granada plan to involve joint venture partners in the financing of the development.
“It is an exciting and balanced project which confirms Granada’s long-term commitment to the area in which we are investing with great confidence,” said David Plowright, chairman of Granada Television. “Water taxis and river buses could link Media City with other key riverside sites such as Salford Quays and Trafford Park,” he added.
Dunlop Heywood have acted throughout as development consultants and will be retained as letting agents.
