Manchester City Council will this week consider a £10m proposal to turn the former Fujitsu Tower in Gorton into a drama hub.

The outline plans for 35,000 sq ft of production stages and 30,000 sq ft of office space could lead to the creation of 475 jobs, according to Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council.

He said: “These latest proposals have the potential to cement the region’s reputation as the UK’s creative industry capital and will help us attract major production companies from both the UK and overseas.”

The development would be an expansion to the city’s Sharp Project (pictured), which offers four production stages and office space for start-up firms.

Director of the Sharp Project Sue Woodward said: “Since 2009 we’ve had countless production companies knocking at our door - including many of the big names in the sector.

“Dramas like Fresh Meat and Mount Pleasant are being recommissioned so there is no free space.

“We hate turning business away. As demand is so high, it’s a no brainer to take this successful formula and recreate it elsewhere in Manchester. The facilities at Fujitsu would be ideal.”

Update: On 5 December Manchester City Council approved capital expenditure of £10.6m for the expanion, including a bid for £4m from the European Regional Development Fund.