The city will start coming to life from spring 2010, when the first residents start moving into their new apartments. Throughout the year – and into 2011 – the rest of Phase 1 will gradually open for business.

Here’s what’s being built on the initial 36-acre site (the equivalent of roughly 18 football pitches): 

• Office space – 700,000 sq ft (65,032 sq m) (spread across five buildings)
• Studio block – 250,000 sq ft (23,225 sq m)
• Retail/leisure space – 80,000 sq ft (7,432 sq m) (divided into units)
• 378 apartments (divided between two towers)
• 218 bed hotel
• Five-acre public realm area, including piazza for 4,000 people
• A technical infrastructure supported by 18 million metres of fibre
• Tram terminus, extending the current line
• Foot bridge across the Manchester Ship Canal, linking Salford Quays with Trafford Wharf
• 300 cycle bays
• Multi-storey carpark with approximately 2,200 spaces

Although we’re focusing on the completion of Phase 1 for the time being, there’s plenty of room for MediaCityUK to expand in line with future demand. The site being developed for 2011 only represents about one fifth of the total land available – there’s actually potential to utilise up to 200 acres. That’s a lot of space to grow.