MediaCity valued at £500m in L&G deal

PEEL Group has sold 50% of its interest in its MediaCityUk development  to  Legal & General Capital.

The transaction, for an undisclosed sum, will see Manchester-based Peel  retain responsibility for ongoing development and asset management of the estate, which is valued at £503m, L&G said.

MediaCityUK is the largest purpose-built creative, digital and technology community in Europe. Anchored by BBC North, the University of Salford and ITV, the development comprises a 37-acre freehold site, encompassing studios, office accommodation, incubator space, residential, hotels, retail and leisure facilities.

It is also home to over 200 other businesses including dock10, the UK’s largest independent studio and post-production facility, and a number of retail and leisure occupiers.
 
Steven Underwood, chief executive of the Peel Group, said “We are delighted to welcome LGC as Peel’s partner at MediaCityUK and look forward to working together during the next stage of its development.

“Legal & General’s focus on regeneration and long history of investing in UK property makes them an ideal partner. Both groups share a complementary approach to property investment, focusing on regeneration, place making and long-term value creation.  We are both committed to MediaCityUK’s continued growth as a major destination for business, residential living, retail and leisure over the coming years.”

Paul Stanworth, managing director of Legal & General Capital, added: “Today’s acquisition in MediaCityUK is a significant step forward in our direct investment into major UK infrastructure and real estate assets.

“In the Peel Group, whose vision has been instrumental in the development of the North West, we couldn’t have a better partner for the stewardship of MediaCityUK. We know the North West well and are already involved in regenerating Salford.  Now, with our investment in MediaCityUK, the potential to drive growth and prosperity for the area is immense. Media and internet technologies are the new industrial revolution and Greater Manchester is at the heart of it.”

Stephen Wild, managing director of MediaCityUK, added: “Technology, media and creative are rapidly growing sectors in Greater Manchester and MediaCityUK is at the heart of this exciting trend. With over 6,000 people already living and working at MediaCityUK and the substantial opportunities for development and growth, we look forward to bringing further investment to the area jointly with LGC.”

The Peel Group was advised by Macquarie Capital, Savills and Addleshaw law firm Goddard. Deloitte did vendor due diligence led by Manchester office senior partner Richard Bell.

Legal & General was represented by JLL.

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