Part of Manchester’s landmark Granada TV site — until 2013 the oldest operating purpose-built television studios in the United Kingdom — is to be turned into a new creative media hub.
To be called Hello House, developer Allied London says the first of the new facility’s tenants could transfer from the nearby Quay House as early as June. Companies with space already booked in the high-tech complex are Echo PR, Manchester Confidential and local broadcaster Journey9.
Allied has already promised the building will be fed by “substantial media and innovation technology” and will be supported as part of its long-term plans. The venture itself will aim to provide office, workshop and studio space for small to established businesses and broadcasters. Two start-up companies will also be among Hello House’s first tenants.
“We have been supporting a number of young start-up and early growth media companies in our Spinningfields development, which we are also going to relocate into Hello House, creating a hub for PR, marketing and media companies,” explained Mike Ingall, Allied London’s chief executive.
“More importantly, we aim to establish a media, tech and innovation project at the old Granada site that we will continue nurture and support. We hope that this will become embedded in our long-term development plans,” he added. “Manchester has some great innovative businesses, some of which will need ongoing assistance to develop. That will only happen if we create and nurture the the right ecosystem.”
Plans for the rest of the Granada Quay Street site, which contains offices, ancillary buildings and three main studios, each covering 4,500sq ft, remain uncertain.
Coronation Street, the world’s longest television soap opera, moved from its 54-year Granada Studios’ home last year, although the original set is still temporarily open for visitors. There have been calls to maintain the Coronation Street set but it is obvious both Allied London, which acquired the site last year for £26m, and the local authorities are keen to free up the prime city centre land for future commercial development.
Rumours that Granada House, the Ralph Tubbs’ designed office block at the heart of the site, was to be demolished triggered immediate protests from conservationists and media historians. Denials by Allied London appear to be supported by a recent company report which suggested the developer was in favour of an upgrade.
“The existing main building could be refurbished to Grade B+ standards and complement Spinningfields,” it stated. “A comprehensive refurbishment of this building could be delivered in 12 to 15 months, as opposed to around 24 months for a new build. A refurbished building in this location close to Spinningfields could also appeal to different occupier markets in terms of second tier financial and professional service providers, creative media and information, communicate and technology companies, as well as business support functions.”
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