But this isn’t something we expect to happen overnight. We describe 2011 as the starting point for a long-term journey, which will see MediaCityUK grow organically over time.

In Phase 1, the BBC, the University of Salford, and Northwest Vision and Media will all have a significant presence on site, as well as the companies already here at The Pie Factory. We've also got space for other creative and digital companies who'd like to be at MediaCityUK from 2011. Discussions about these opportunities are already underway so if you’re interested in joining us click here for more information. And of course, MediaCityUK isn't appearing in isolation – we'll be joining the existing Salford Quays community, which already includes thousands of workers, residents and visitors. 

 

• BBC

  BBC North at MediaCityUK will open in 2011, with nearly 2,500 staff working across an enormous range of output.

  This major new network production base is part of the BBC's wider commitment to produce 50% of programming outside London by 2016. In what will be the biggest move out of London in the BBC’s history, Children’s, Sport, Radio 5 live, Learning, and parts of the Future, Media and Technology team are all relocating to Salford – bringing some of the BBC’s most famous shows, like Match of the Day and Blue Peter, to MediaCityUK. They will be joined by current Manchester-based output, including The BBC Philharmonic, Dragon's Den, File on 4, Radcliffe and Maconie, Songs of Praise, Question of Sport, and local and regional services. For more information about the BBC visit www.bbc.co.uk.

• The University of Salford

  The University of Salford will create a new Higher Education centre at the heart of MediaCityUK.

  It will be an extension of the university’s main campus, acting both as a showcase for cutting-edge projects and exhibitions, and a hub for research and teaching activities. More than 700 students and staff are expected to use the building, which will open in September 2011. Facilities will include a broadcast zone; a digital media zone; a virtual laboratory; a digital performance space; and creative spaces for use in academic teaching, project-based learning, and user-centred design and innovation. There will be a focus on employer-led and postgraduate learning and research collaboration, and undergraduate provision. The campus will offer a gateway to the university’s full range of services for industry and community partners. 

• Northwest Vision and Media

  Northwest Vision and Media – the organisation responsible for leading, promoting and supporting the region’s creative and digital industries – relocated to MediaCityUK in autumn 2009.

  The agency occupies a refurbished building opposite The Pie Factory on Broadway, allowing it to establish a MediaCityUK presence ahead of the completion of Phase 1 in 2011. For more information about Northwest Vision and Media visit www.visionandmedia.co.uk.