Space Project could be out of this world for West Groton
A REPORT to be presented to Manchester City Council’s Executive soon reveals plans for further expansion of The Space Project in West Gorton, the purpose-built TV and drama production complex.
This follows a successful first year with on-site production activity supporting approximately 250 jobs with an associated GVA benefit to the local economy of £9m.
The production stages have accommodated some of TV’s most popular dramas and comedies including Cradle to Grave, BBC Two’s highest rating original drama of the year, Boy Meets Girl, a fifth series of Mount Pleasant, and Paul Abbott’s hit No Offence for Channel 4 as well as CBBC’s World’s End.
The Space Project has also become the new home of the BBC’s enduringly popular Dragons’ Den.
It is estimated the proposed new facility would be located on land adjoining the existing facility.
Proposals for Phase Two include the construction of nearly 90,000sq ft of new buildings for production and related support activities including a 30,000 sq ft stage, workshops and business units.
Phase Three increases the size by a further 50,000sq ft across the 6.8 hectare site.
The overall master plan under consideration by the City on October 7 would see The Space Project double in size by 2017.
The report seeks approval from the Council’s Executive for funding to take the proposals to the next stage. Detailed site investigations and design work are required to prepare a robust and comprehensive investment case.
Founder of The Space Project Susan Woodward said: “The Space Project has been incredibly successful already with high demand for our five production stages from clients.
“We have been able to capture a larger share of the growing market, building on Manchester’s historic strength as a TV and drama centre. These proposals for expansion are very exciting and will allow us to compete for more business and bring even more productions to the North of England.”
Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said: “The master plan for The Space Project is part of the wider regeneration of West Gorton which has gained momentum over the last five years.
“These proposals will create more employment opportunities and accelerate the growth of the city’s digital economy, further strengthening and expanding the development of Manchester’s film, TV and drama industry.
“It’s vital we support the development of a digital content ‘ecosystem’ so we can compete and rival the ‘second tier’ of global digital hubs by 2020.”
The existing 360,000sq ft site, which offers 55,000 sq ft of production space, opened in October last year, was funded from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) and Manchester City Council. It boasts clients including BBC, Sky, Channel 4, Sony Big Talk and Tiger Aspect.
If funding for further feasibility and design work is approved, it is anticipated a planning application will be submitted in early 2016.
