The preferred site for the BBC’s proposed move out of London has been announced as Salford Quays. Providing a number of issues are resolved, including a government decision on the new licence fee deal, not due until October, five departments and around 1,500 staff posts will transfer from London in 2010.
The BBC Board of Governors has authorised the BBC North Project Team to treat Salford MediaCity:UK as the leading bidder in principle and conduct discussions with them on an exclusive basis with a view to them being confirmed as preferred bidder, provided certain outstanding issues can be resolved within a limited period of exclusivity.
The plan for Salford Quays, already home to radio stations Century FM, Capital Gold, Xfm, DNN and Smooth FM. See more by clicking mediacityuk.co.uk.
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.”