The BBC has been handed the keys to the first, and largest, of its three buildings at Salford's MediaCityUK ahead of schedule.
Building C will be home to Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport, Radio Manchester and regional news amongst others.
Led by BBC North Director, Peter Salmon, the move is a major component of the BBC's "Out-of-London" strategy.
Salmon said: "This is the first, exciting step in rewiring the BBC in the North of England.”
Visiting Salford, BBC Trust Chairman, Sir Michael Lyons, added: “Today is a significant landmark in a project that will help regenerate an entire area and I hope, in time, act as a springboard for wider creative innovation in the North of England."
