Lives shaped by the incredible success of Salford’s MediaCity are the focus of a new Marketing Manchester film looking forward to its next exciting chapter.
A key hub within Greater Manchester’s fast-growing £5bn digital eco-system, MediaCity launched in 2011 with the landmark relocation of BBC North. From there, the development has grown further and gone from strength to strength as more businesses and individuals relocate and now call MediaCity home.
MediaCity provides a vibrant home to multiple digital, media and tech businesses, thousands of residents, and educational institutions including HOST – the home of Skills and Technology, and the University of Salford.
It continues to be an integral focus of innovation across the city and beyond, with further plans to increase in size and scope in the coming years.
Marketing Manchester’s film will support plans for MediaCity to double in size over the next 10 years, helping to attract even more visitors, residents, students, and investors in the future.
MediaCity: The Next Chapter provides a video tour led by people who have lived, worked or enjoyed leisure time at MediaCity before, during and since the transformation of the former Manchester Docks.
Led by local actor and guide Ashif Ashik, the cast includes:
- Stars of TV and radio including BBC Children’s and Radio 1 presenter Katie Thistleton, BBC radio legend Mark Radcliffe, and actor Colson Smith, who plays Craig Tinker in Coronation Street
- Paul Milligan, a grandfather who met his wife working at the former Manchester Docks and whose children and grandchildren have gone on to work and study at MediaCity
- University of Salford Media Production undergraduate Erin Hughes
- Artist Venessa Scott
- MediaCity resident and yoga teacher Carly Tong
- Representatives of Toasted Productions and Audio Always, both SME businesses serving large digital, media and tech organisations at MediaCity
MediaCity: The Next Chapter was produced by Marketing Manchester on behalf of Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership and in partnership with Salford Council, the University of Salford and MediaCity.
The project was led by Marketing Manchester Content Curator Simon Donohue working with the video production team at communications agency Social.
Katie Thistleton, a University of Salford graduate who regularly broadcasts from MediaCity, said: “I love MediaCity and owe my whole career to this place.
“From working behind the scenes at CBBC, to presenting there and now doing my Radio 1 show from there every Sunday, I really feel like it’s my home and it’s one of my favourite places to be!”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “There’s already so many positive tales associated with MediaCity and we’re really only in the early chapters of this amazing development’s story.
“It’s great that we are bringing to life these shared experiences through this film, working alongside MediaCity, Marketing Manchester and University of Salford.
“I’m hugely proud of the fact that Salford is home to MediaCity and that so many people are writing their life stories here. Let’s hope even more people will be inspired to make MediaCity part of the next chapter in their lives, whatever that may involve.”
Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCity adds: “In ten years MediaCity has evolved from a cluster of buildings into a vibrant community made up of 8,000 residents, creatives and students as well as attracts an abundance of visitors who come to enjoy the many cultural experiences here. It’s wonderful to see the people that make MediaCity what it is today featured in this new film as we enter our second decade of growth.”
Professor Allan Walker, Dean of the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology at the University of Salford, said: “Celebrating ten years of the University of Salford at MediaCity was a pivotal moment for us this year. Over the past decade we have forged key partnerships with the broadcast, creative and technology industries and established ourselves in the DNA of this global media hub. This has led to the establishment of national and international networks of activity and an established pipeline of talent. These activities and our highly talented graduates will continue to transform Greater Manchester.”
Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “As a key hub within Greater Manchester’s fast-growing £5bn digital ecosystem, MediaCity serves as a prime example of the success that having a bold vision can bring.
“Through Innovation Greater Manchester, GM LEP is now ready to work with Government to replicate the success of MediaCity, creating innovation zones across Greater Manchester and the North to develop skills, support R&D investment, boost skills and create targeted employment opportunities.”
Beth Hewitt, Creative Director – Media City Campus at the University of Salford, adds: “ Our students are the next generation of digital talent and receive an educational experience which enables them to thrive when they enter the world of work. It is exciting to see so many of our graduates going on to work as leaders in these industries. We have come a long way and it is great to be part of the MediaCity success story, though I think the best is yet to come. As we continue to grow as a hot spot for talent, I am looking forward to seeing what the next ten years has in store.”