The Space Project is set to double in size after planning permission was granted for a £14m expansion of the Manchester TV and film production studios.
Some 90,000 sq ft of buildings will be built at the site in West Gorton, including a 30,000 sq ft stage, more than 6,000 sq ft of offices and green rooms, 10,000 sq ft for set construction workshops and 40,000 sq ft of business units for rent by facilities companies.
Funding was agreed by Manchester City Council in March, and construction work is now due to start in January with completion expected by October next year.
According to The Space Project, the expansion will create 275 jobs and boost the local economy by nearly £10m a year.
The Space Project founder Susan Woodward said: “We are developing a further 3.5 hectares of land, literally on top of physical assets that drove the industrial revolution.
“It is fitting that we are building the next wave of Manchester’s industrial revolution, digital content, on a site that played such an important part in its industrial heritage.
“Although they are very different industries they are driven by the same ambitions – to be the best and provide new jobs and career opportunities for local people.
“The expansion of The Space Project will satisfy the nationally recognised demand for TV and film production stages as well as support space for the supply chain businesses, which will help grow the sector and allow Manchester to further develop its already prominent position within the UK for media production.”
Last week, ITV exec Adrian Bleasdale was appointed to the newly created post of chief executive of MCDA, a new company set up to manage production assets funded by Manchester City Council, which includes The Space Project.
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