MediaCityUK Manchester, which is owned and is managed by The Peel Group, has submitted plans to Salford City Council that would mark the start of a new phase of development for the burgeoning creative and digital community.
The proposals would see £20m of investment by The Peel Group to deliver 54,000 sq ft of creative office and studio space as well as a new 112-bed Premier Inn.
The hotel would further enhance the offering at MediaCityUK as a visitor destination while the additional office space will meet the increasing demand of fast-growing creative and digital companies.
Fronting Broadway, the proposed 10-storey building, totalling 100,000 sq ft, will have four floors dedicated to the hotel while the remaining six will provide a blank canvas for occupiers to design their own creative space that is unique to their requirements.
As well as being home to the BBC, ITV, Coronation Street and the University of Salford, more than 200 smaller media and tech companies are now based at MediaCityUK.
The Managing Director of MediaCityUK, Stephen Wild, said: “Technology, media and creative is a rapidly growing sector in Greater Manchester, which itself is now considered the second largest creative and digital hub in Europe.
'MediaCityUK has been a key trigger in the explosion of creative start-ups and national relocations so it’s essential that we give these businesses the right type of space and the flexibility to grow organically.
“Equally, as MediaCityUK’s business community has thrived and our leisure offering has grown, so has its reputation as a go-to destination. The arrival of a new hotel will service both those here doing business or visiting.”
Nick Johnston, Acquisitions Manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said, 'We are excited to be proposing a new 112-bedroom Premier Inn in MediaCityUK. MediaCityUK is a vibrant and fast-growing digital and media hub and our proposals would drive a further £7m of fresh investment into the area and create 40 new jobs, around half of which would be offered to those who are long-term unemployed.
'Our proposals would provide high-quality and affordable accommodation to business and leisure visitors in this fantastic location. We look forward to Salford City Council’s decision.'
Once approved construction will commence at the end of this year and will be due for completion by late 2015 and the hotel will open early 2016.