Plans have been approved for a £1 billion expansion of MediaCityUK in Salford.

The city council gave the go-ahead for the scheme yesterday, 01 September, which allows developer Peel Group to take forward the second phase of a 20-year plan to transform the former docklands area.

With phase one of MediaCityUK already completed, the second phase includes creating up to ten new buildings worth over £1bn with more than 1,400 new homes and hundreds of new jobs.

In addition, it will provide over 50,000 sq m of business accommodation, over 4,000 sq m of live/work units, 1,871 residential units including town houses, over 4,400 sq m of retail and leisure space and over 1,800 car parking spaces.

Further plans include:

• The Arcade – retail/leisure and office space around a pedestrian arcade with office space above

• Studio Square – office building and pocket park.

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• Georgian Square – a new public courtyard, a six-storey podium on top of which would be two slender taller buildings of 14 and 25 storeys with residents terraces and winter gardens, and 18 three-storey live/work units and separate commercial office space

• Market Square – a contemporary 'village hall' with seating for dining and square for markets and events

• London Square – 14 three storey town houses with 460 apartments on the upper floors, and gym, cinema room and shared office space

• Northern Edge – a new 'gateway' to MediaCityUK comprising three buildings with 632 apartments, six two storey live/work units, office space, retail and leisure uses, a cycle hub and three multi-storey car parks.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: "Back in 2006, Salford City Council granted planning permission for 15.1 hectares of development. Phase one has successfully been completed and now we are moving towards the second phase which will see MediaCityUK double in size.

"This is all part of a major building boom in Salford which is bringing thousands of new homes and square metres of business accommodation to our city creating further jobs and opportunities on our doorstep for the people of Salford."

Stephen Wild, Managing Director, MediaCityUK added: "We're delighted to have received the support of the planning panel for the next stage in the delivery of a vision for MediaCityUK, that is shared by all our partners both public and private. Phase two will provide a unique opportunity for a new generation of designs to complement what is already a thriving and vibrant destination."

(LM/CD)