Set on the glimmering waters of Salford Quays, just a short tram ride from Manchester city centre, MediaCity has rapidly become one of the UK’s most dynamic cultural and creative hubs. What was once a cluster of industrial docks and warehouses has been reborn as a futuristic media village — a place where innovation, broadcasting, technology, and art intersect.
From the BBC and ITV Studios to independent production companies, film crews, digital start-ups, and world-class universities, MediaCity is a place alive with creativity. Yet, beyond its studios and office towers, it’s also a vibrant public space — filled with restaurants, exhibitions, public art, and stunning waterside views that invite both inspiration and relaxation.
From Docklands to Digital Powerhouse
The story of MediaCity is one of transformation. Once part of the bustling Manchester Docks, this area was central to the city’s industrial might. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, ships from across the world docked here via the Manchester Ship Canal, unloading cotton, timber, and grain that fuelled Manchester’s textile industry.
However, by the 1970s and 80s, the docks fell into decline as containerization and changing trade routes rendered them obsolete. The once-busy quaysides became derelict and empty — a ghost of Manchester’s industrial past.
The regeneration began in the 1990s when Salford City Council and Peel Group envisioned something revolutionary: turning this forgotten industrial landscape into a thriving waterfront destination. The first phase of MediaCityUK officially opened in 2011, anchored by the relocation of several BBC departments from London, including BBC Sport, BBC Children’s, Radio 5 Live, and parts of the BBC Academy.
This move symbolized a major shift in British broadcasting — decentralizing media power from London and investing in the creative energy of the North. ITV soon followed, moving its Coronation Street studios and other departments across the canal. What began as an ambitious redevelopment project quickly evolved into a thriving community of creators, technologists, and storytellers.
A Hub for Broadcasting and Digital Media
At the heart of MediaCity are its state-of-the-art studios and production facilities. The site houses some of the most advanced television and radio studios in Europe, where many of the UK’s most-watched programmes are made.
You can often see the familiar glow of studio lights and the bustle of production crews as shows like BBC Breakfast, Match of the Day, Blue Peter, and Coronation Street are filmed on site. The Dock10 studios, located in the central plaza, are frequently used for a wide variety of productions — from live entertainment and sports coverage to major broadcast events.
Beyond the household names, MediaCity is also home to hundreds of independent production companies, creative agencies, and tech start-ups. The environment is designed for collaboration — where digital innovation meets storytelling, and where virtual reality, gaming, and AI projects sit alongside traditional broadcasting.
The University of Salford also maintains a major campus at MediaCity, offering courses in media production, digital design, and broadcast journalism. This connection between education and industry ensures that MediaCity remains a pipeline of new talent and ideas. Students share the same spaces as professionals, gaining real-world experience in a world-class setting.
The Architecture of a New Era
One of the first things that strikes visitors to MediaCity is its futuristic architecture. Sleek glass buildings rise around open piazzas, while reflections dance across the surface of the canal. The clean lines and modern design create a sense of energy and possibility — a visual reminder that this is a place built for the future.
The BBC buildings, with their distinctive facades, sit beside ITV’s glass-fronted studios, while across the pedestrian bridge stands The Lowry, a striking arts venue named after the Salford-born artist L.S. Lowry. The bridge itself — a white, curving structure that opens to allow ships to pass — adds to the area’s modern aesthetic.
Sustainability is built into MediaCity’s design. It was the first development in the world to achieve the BREEAM “Sustainable Community” award, reflecting its commitment to environmentally friendly construction, renewable energy use, and efficient water management.
The Lowry – Art, Theatre, and Local Legacy
A visit to MediaCity would be incomplete without stepping inside The Lowry. Opened in 2000, this bold, multi-angled building of glass and steel is home to theatres, galleries, and performance spaces. Inside, visitors can explore an extensive collection of works by L.S. Lowry, whose paintings famously captured the industrial landscapes and working-class life of Salford and Manchester.
The Lowry also hosts an exciting programme of theatre, music, comedy, and dance, drawing performers and audiences from around the world. Its presence at MediaCity bridges the old with the new — connecting the region’s rich artistic heritage with its contemporary creative industries.
Just across the water is the Imperial War Museum North, another architectural masterpiece designed by Daniel Libeskind. Its metallic shards and dramatic interior stand as a poignant reminder of the impact of conflict. Together, these landmarks give Salford Quays a depth and cultural richness that extends beyond media and technology.
A Place to Work, Live, and Play
MediaCity isn’t just about business and broadcasting — it’s a thriving urban neighbourhood. Over the past decade, it has evolved into a mixed-use community with apartments, restaurants, cafés, and public spaces that buzz with activity day and night.
The main plaza is often the site of outdoor events, from food festivals and concerts to art installations and sports screenings. In the summer, pop-up bars and open-air cinema nights bring a festival atmosphere to the quayside, while in winter, twinkling lights and seasonal markets make the area feel festive and inviting.
For those who love food, MediaCity has an ever-growing culinary scene. The Botanist, Grindsmith, and Pier Eight (inside The Lowry) are among the popular spots, while independent cafés and bars line the waterfront offering everything from craft beer to fine dining with a view.
Visitors can also stroll along the Salford Quays Promenade, a scenic walkway that connects MediaCity to nearby attractions. The tranquil waters, dotted with reflections of modern buildings and bridges, make for an unexpectedly peaceful escape in the middle of a bustling media district.
Innovation and the Future
MediaCity is continually evolving. A £1 billion expansion plan is underway, known as MediaCity Phase Two, which will double its size and include new studios, office spaces, homes, and public areas. The goal is to make MediaCity not just a hub for broadcasting, but a global centre for digital innovation and creative technology.
Already, the site has become a testing ground for 5G technology, smart city systems, and digital production workflows. Companies here are experimenting with virtual production (similar to the methods used in The Mandalorian), immersive content, and next-generation storytelling techniques.
This fusion of creativity and technology positions MediaCity at the forefront of the UK’s digital economy — a northern counterpart to London’s Tech City, but with its own unique spirit and sense of community.
Getting There and Exploring
MediaCity is easily accessible via the Metrolink tram network, with direct connections from Manchester Piccadilly, St Peter’s Square, and Deansgate-Castlefield. For drivers, there are several multi-storey car parks nearby, and for cyclists, the area is well-equipped with bike lanes and docking stations.
Once there, everything is walkable. Visitors can explore The Lowry, wander along the canals, stop for a drink at the waterfront, or simply enjoy the modern architecture and open spaces. MediaCity is also within walking distance of Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, making it a great stop on a day of sightseeing.
Why MediaCity Matters
MediaCity is more than just a collection of studios — it’s a symbol of Manchester’s reinvention. It represents how a post-industrial city can transform itself into a centre for creativity, technology, and innovation without losing its character.
Where cotton mills once stood, ideas are now spun; where warehouses once lined the quays, stories are now broadcast to millions around the world. MediaCity embodies the spirit of modern Manchester — bold, forward-looking, and unafraid to reinvent itself.
For visitors, it offers a glimpse into the future of media and urban life. For locals, it’s a source of pride — a testament to how vision and investment can turn a place of decline into a thriving cultural landmark.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn by the gleam of the studios, the art of The Lowry, or simply the peaceful beauty of the quayside, MediaCity Manchester is an inspiring destination. It’s a place where creativity never stops — a space that captures both the energy of modern media and the resilience of northern spirit.
As the skyline reflects on the still canal waters at sunset, it’s hard not to feel that you’re looking at the future — one built not on smoke and steel, but on imagination, storytelling, and collaboration.
