MediaCityUK Phase 2 Plans Given Go Ahead

The green light has been given for work to start on the second phase of MediaCityUK, Salford's landmark media hub. The ambitious 1 billion pound expansion plans will see the existing development more than double in size with the addition of ten new buildings, providing 540,000 square feet of office space, 1,800 new apartments, retail and leisure spaces together with an extensive public realm designed by Gillespies.

Collaborating with a number of plot architects, Gillespies and Chapman Taylor worked closely with the Peel Group to develop the masterplan framework for the expansion of for this unique site. The masterplan establishes a network of new public spaces and connections that facilitate pedestrian movement across the site, linking the new buildings with the rejuvenated waterfront. The delivery of a high quality public realm will seamlessly extend and connect with the highly successful existing landscape delivered by Gillespies in the first phase.

The new public realm and landscapes provided in the phase 2 masterplan offer a rich mix of public and private spaces, with community-based interaction at its centre. Located at the heart of the development, the largest public space - Market Square - provides a dynamic and flexible space incorporating a contemporary market hall and event space, animated by restaurants, shops and apartments.

Gillespies Partner Jim Gibson, who has led the Practices work at MediaCityUK since 2006, said "It continues to be a privilege to be so centrally involved in creating one of the most successful urban regeneration projects in the UK and we look forward to the delivery of the Phase 2".

This success represents another major step forward in the evolution of MediaCityUK into a new waterfront community offering the perfect balance of business, leisure and residential uses in an exemplary public realm. Gillespies are already involved in the delivery of the Tomorrow Building - opening next month - and The Lightbox residential development which commences on site in 2017.