Manchester prepares for new media hub

Manchester City Council is preparing plans for a £5m media hub to further boost the creative industries in the Northwest.

The council plans to refurbish the former Sharp building, with the aim of creating a new digital media production hub in East Manchester. It says that, "the Sharp building has the potential to become a significant digital media production hub, providing large-scale, cost-effective office, workshop and studio accommodation, combined with a world-class technical infrastructure."

Once fully refurbished, the Sharp building is expected to bring in an annual rental of £640,000. This suggests a rental of £4 per sq ft - making it affordable for small media agencies to take advantage of a thriving central location, just minutes from the city centre.

The Sharp project is seen as a significant opportunity for Manchester to respond to the emerging needs of the city's thriving digital production sector. The project will further develop Manchester's skills base and create a number of jobs.

This move, along with the recent development of Salford's Media City is expected to strengthen the region's standing as one of the most culturally rich and creative areas of the UK.