BBC Chooses Salford Quays For Major Expansion

Salford Media City has emerged as the leading contender for the site of the BBC's Manchester expansion plans. BBC governors chose Salford Quays after months of discussion. The BBC will now enter into exclusive discussions with Salford MediaCity as the "leading bidder in principle" after it fought off a rival bid from central Manchester to house the media centre

Salford plans to establish a media zone, with the BBC as principal tenant., with the plans forming a key part of the corporation's out of London strategy to broaden the regional diversity of its output.

A statement from the BBC's Board of Governors said,  providing outstanding issues between the parties could be resolved then Salford would be confirmed as the "preferred bidder"

The statement went on to say "Should it not be possible for BBC management to resolve the outstanding issues to our satisfaction by the end of that period, exclusivity will end.

"The Governors' decision marks a significant step forward in realising a vision for a less London-centric BBC.

"Our final decision will be based on two key factors: whether the move represents value for money for licence fee payers, on which work is continuing; and the affordability of the project, with a final decision not able to be taken until the licence fee settlement is known."

Talks will now take place between the BBC and backers of the Salford bid, but a final decision will be held off until the BBC licence fee settlement is signed off> This is  not expected before October.

BBC Director-General Mark Thompson said: "I'm pleased that we have taken another step forward in our proposals to create a major new centre for network broadcasting in the North of England.

We remain very conscious that our proposal must still meet our stringent value for money criteria and be affordable.

"I believe this presents a unique opportunity for other broadcasters and the independent sector to join us in a project that could bring very significant benefits for audiences and for the economy of the North of England."