Plans revealed for key MediaCity learning facility

PLANS have been submitted for a new University Technical College (UTC) at MediaCityUK in Salford which will specialise in the creative industries.

BAM Construction has been selected for the £10.4m design and build contract for the 70,000 sq ft, four-storey building on Broadway behind the main MediaCityUK campus. Subject to the relevant planning approvals, UTC@MediaCityUK as it will be known, will take its first intake of students in 2014.

It will specialise in the creative and digital industries with a direct link to the industry, giving the 14-19 year old students from Greater Manchester the chance to work with employers at MediaCityUK.

The school will be run by a partnership of The University of Salford, Salford City College, The Lowry arts centre and learning charity The Aldridge Foundation which was set up by Sir Rod Aldridge, founder of outsourcing group Capita.

Project manager Abigail Williams said: “UTC@MediaCityUK will provide outstanding opportunities for young people to develop skills in the digital and media industries and we believe that this new college will deliver the right facilities and environment to foster our students’ ambitions.”

BAM construction’s bid manager Adrian Blackie said “This is a fantastic and exciting project to be involved with due to the specific areas of specialisation it will offer, and we are delighted to have been selected.

“We have developed excellent relationships with the sponsors and look forward to working with them to deliver this impressive purpose built UTC to serve the Greater Manchester region.”

Architect IBI Taylor Young is working on designs for the building which will include TV and radio studios, as well as interactive media and gaming studios.

Existing warehouse buildings will be demolished to make way for the building, including the old home of industry support body North West Vision and Media.

Stephen Wild, managing director of MediaCityUK, said: “The development of the UTC is another exciting chapter for MediaCityUK. Fusing academia with business is key to growing a thriving city and therefore we look forward to welcoming the students and seeing how they benefit from the opportunities that MediaCityUK presents.”

The design and build team includes IBI Taylor Young, civil and structural engineers Curtins, building services consultant Ramboll, landscape architect Planit IE and interior designer Space Zero. Work should start on site in October.