1887
Construction of the Manchester Ship Canal began.
We don’t just look back on our history. We live it.
While MediaCity today is all about high-spec connectivity, its foundations have been laid on what was one of the world’s biggest industrial ports. Manchester Docks revolutionised the global textile trade. At its heart, the Manchester Ship Canal, one of the greatest feats of Victorian engineering, a vast stretch of water that connected Manchester and Salford to the rest of the world, and in turn enabled them to become cities known for their innovation, vision and international trade. We may have swapped dock workers for technology innovators, shipped goods for streamed content, but what drives us remains the same: this has always been a place of global export and exchange, with an international workforce, and the vision to make the impossible, possible. And that means we don’t just look back on our history. We live it.
Construction of the Manchester Ship Canal began.
Queen Victoria opened the docks upon completion of the Manchester Ship Canal.
No 9 Dock opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. On the former site of the Manchester racecourse and measuring 2,700ft by 250ft it was the largest dock in Salford.
MSC Dock Offices opened on Trafford Road.
The docks close down.
The Ship Canal Company is acquired by the Peel Group.
The Lowry Arts Centre Officially Opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Imperial War Museum North opens.
The first spade in the ground at MediaCity as construction begins.
BBC proposes move of five of its London-based departments to MediaCity.
ITV signs agreement to move the company’s Manchester base to MediaCity.
BBC moves staff to MediaCity as it occupies three buildings: Bridge House, Dock House, and Quay House.
University of Salford open.
First TV series made from dock10 studios.
First BBC Broadcast from MediaCity.
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra moves to MediaCity.
MediaCity was accredited as the first BREEAM sustainable community in the world.
Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, officially open MediaCity.
Coronation Street’s production centre and famous Cobbles open for filming.
Legal and General Capital secures a 50% stake
Kellogg’s moves its Northern HQ to MediaCity.
MediaCity’s Phase 2 begins.
The Lightbox and The Green Rooms completed, adding to MediaCity’s residential Offerings.
MediaCity named as the first Wired Certified Neighbourhood in Europe.
MediaCity’s buildings become the first in the UK to achieve net zero carbon status.
MediaCity doesn’t stand still. In just ten years we have become one of the world’s leading media and tech hubs. In the next few years, we will cement our position as one of the UK’s leading innovation zones. And in the coming decade a £1bn investment will see MediaCity continue to grow. More workspaces, more new homes, more public and green spaces, increased connectivity and tech infrastructure, more inspirational ways to spend precious downtime.