Chapman Taylor leads the second stage of MediaCityUK expansion

MediacityUK has been submitted for planning with an ambitious expansion plan which is set to double in size over the next decade with ten new buildings envisaged with a development value of more than £1 billion.

Chapman Taylor has masterplanned the second phase of the develpoment and designed three plots along with six other architectural practices. The scheme, which has now been submitted for planning to Salford City Council, includes innovative public spaces, offices, shops and residential courts with a pedestrian promenade running through the scheme.

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, dock10, Ericsson and SIS. Outline approval for the plans was granted in 2006. A condition of that permission was that detailed proposals, including all building designs and specifications, needed to be brought forward this year. The scheme is expected to be considered by Salford’s planning panel in September.

In early 2015 Chapman Taylor were appointed to develop the masterplan for the 7.7 hectare site and set down the design parameters for the individual blocks that make up the ten new buildings. 72 % of the area is dedicated to residential apartments including one of the UK’s largest PRS developments; the intention being to complement the ‘commercial’ character already delivered in Phase 1 and complete the original vision for a dynamic and sustainable urban neighbourhood. This will also involve a change of urban grain, scale and a richer mix of uses and materials.

Stephen Wild, Managing Director, MediaCityUK, said: ‘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.’

Development at MediaCityUK continues apace with the new Tomorrow building coming on stream during the summer and The Lightbox apartment block due to commence construction in early 2017.

Chapman Taylor and Gillespies worked closely with the Peel Group to develop the masterplan framework and individual development plots, making the most of the unique setting and high quality amenity offered by the Manchester Ship Canal and Salford Quays. The masterplan strategy proposes a sequence of new public spaces and residential courts, which form a pedestrian promenade running through the scheme. The largest of these, Market Square, designed by Jeffrey Bell Architects and Gillespies, 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.

The plots, which will be developed in phases, have been designed by six architects;

Chapman Taylor developed the masterplan and designed three plots including; a residential PRS scheme, Grade A offices along with multi-storey parking, live/work studio apartments, bicycle hub and a new energy centre. Hodder+Partners, a mix of studio offices and apartments and multi-storey parking; Jeffrey Bell Architects, live/work, studio offices and apartments along with a public square and a significant market hall building; Sheppard Robson, landmark Grade A offices; 5plus architects, a mix of retail leisure and apartments and AHR who have designed two waterside residential plots.

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