The Space Project ponders expansion

MANCHESTER TV production base The Space Project is contemplating further expansion, several months after it was launched.

It is based at the former Fujitsu site in Gorton which is now a “drama hub” with five production stages across 55,000 sq ft as well as dressing rooms, construction workshops, prop stores, and flexible office space.

An industrial site at the edge of its car park was owned by Armstrong Fluid Technology, a manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, until late 2013 when it moved to Beswick and sold up to the council.

The original intention was to incorporate this land into a major housing regeneration plan in the area, but a document prepared ahead of a meeting of the city council’s executive next week shows it may now be used for an extension of The Space Project.

It said: “The Space Project is now reviewing the potential for future growth and development. Given the employment generating ability of the Space Project it is recommended that Development Plot L – the former Armstrong Pumps site, that has to date been identified as a residential development plot within the current masterplan – is re-designated as a potential employment site and is reserved as potential expansion land for the Space Project.

“This designation will be reviewed once the Space Project has reached a conclusion on their review of future growth and development at this site.”

Part of the former Fujitsu base is now back office site for the council which has 800 staff there. It is hoped around 500 will ultimately work at The Space Project. It has cost £10.6m to develop with £6.1m coming from the council, £4m from a European Regional Development Fund grant, and £500,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency.