Category: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Date: 17.01.2006
Printable version
Today the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is launching the next phase of its plans to relocate key departments from London to Greater Manchester in 2010.
Μύ
The departments relocating from London are Children's Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, including the TV channels CΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and CBeebies, Children's Radio and Children's Learning; Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sport; Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ New Media and Technology (including R&D); and radio stations Five Live and Five Live Sports Extra.
Μύ
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ announces today that it has shortlisted two sites for the location of a Media Zone in the north of England. The proposed sites have been chosen from a shortlist of four, following a stringent evaluation process conducted by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.
Μύ
A parallel independent process by the North West Development Agency (NWDA) favoured the same two sites.
Μύ
Mark Thomas, Director of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ North Project, said: "The two sites, Quays Point at Salford Quays and Central Spine in Manchester, have been chosen as - within the required timeframe - they offer the greatest potential for a world-class Media Zone that realises all of the benefits of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's investment.
Μύ
"The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ will continue to work with both Manchester City Council and Salford City Council in order to help them develop their remaining proposals so that they maximise the impact for audiences; for the creative industries in the north of England; and for the further regeneration of Salford and Manchester."
Μύ
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Director of Nations and Regions, Pat Loughrey, will put forward a recommendation for a preferred site to the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Executive and Board of Governors by the summer.
Μύ
The Governors' final decision will be based on whether the plans represent value for money for licence payers and whether the proposal is affordable.
Μύ
Notes to Editors
Μύ
1. The plan to move Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ services to Greater Manchester - 'The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ North Project', is part of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's wider Out of London strategy which is a key component of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Building Public Value vision, announced in 2004.
Μύ
2. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Executive and the Board of Governors approved the Manchester plans in principle in December 2004.
Μύ
3. In October 2005 the Governors endorsed the findings of the feasibility study produced by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ North Project team, which included a new vision for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ in Manchester as part of a Media Zone while retaining the option of creating a new 'stand-alone' Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ operation.
Μύ
4. The concept of a Media Zone is a base for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, independent producers, facilities suppliers and, potentially, other broadcasters, on a single site.
Μύ
Μύ
