Since the team arrived at Salford Quays in summer 2007 more than 7.3 million man hours have been spent on site. With work due to be completed in 2011, nearly 2,000 people are currently involved in MediaCityUK’s construction.

Clearly such a big development is having a massive effect on the local skyline, but we want our impact to be more than just physical. Together with our management contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, we’re helping the community feel the economic benefits of the build process. To date, more than £200m of work has been awarded to Manchester contractors, including £92m to Salford-based firms.

Phase 1 timeline

Early 2010
Buildings A and B (final names tbc) handed over to the BBC. Fit-out begins.


Summer 2010
Parts of MediaCityUK public realm area open.
MediaCityUK Metrolink tram stop completed.
First residents move into apartments at TheHeart and NumberOne MediaCityUK.


Autumn 2010
Holiday Inn opens.
First office space in South Tower of MediaCityUK Studio Block ready for occupier fit out.
First office space in building B4 (final name tbc) ready for occupier fit out.

Early 2011   
MediaCityUK Studios go live.
Four floors of building B4 (final name tbc) handed over to the University of Salford. Fit out begins.

Spring 2011  
BBC starts moving staff into its buildings (process will continue throughout 2011).
Retailers start trading.

Summer 2011
Media Enterprise Centre operational.

Autumn 2011  
First students and staff start using the University of Salford’s offices.