Title: | MediaCityUK – Future Phases, Manchester, UK |
Markets: | Residential, Public Realm |
Client: | Peel Group |
Services: | Landscape architecture |
Region: | United Kingdom |
Status: | Ongoing |
MediaCityUK has recently been awarded planning consent to double in size over the next decade, with ten new buildings and comprehensive new landscape and public realm and a development value of more than £1 billion.
MediaCityUK is a joint venture between Peel Land and Property and Legal and General Capital, who share a long-term commitment to the further expansion of a creative and digital hub which already houses 250 businesses including the BBC, ITV. Working in close collaboration with masterplanning architects Chapman Taylor and a number of separate ‘plot architects’, Gillespies has developed a landscape masterplan for the 7.7 hectare site that will include ten new buildings, including what is planned to be one of the UK’s largest PRS developments.
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.
Gillespies worked closely with the Peel Group to develop the masterplan making the most of the unique setting and high quality amenity offered by the Manchester Ship Canal and Salford Quays. Now consented as one of the largest planning applications ever considered by Salford City Council, new development phases will be anchored by a sequence of new public spaces and green links which form attractive pedestrian routes and amenity spaces. The largest public space, Market Square, is located at the heart of the new residential community and will become a vibrant destination, incorporating a contemporary market hall and events spaces, surrounded by restaurants, shops and apartments.
"Phase two will provide a unique opportunity for a new generation of designs to complement what is already a thriving and vibrant destination. Like any city, we continue to grow in line with the needs of business – today’s plans show the huge potential for the MediaCityUK of 2026."
Stephen Wild, Managing Director, MediaCityUK