WEST Gorton TV and film production complex The Space Project - home to the BBC's Dragons's Den - could 'double in size' over the next two years under new plans to go before the council on Wednesday 10 October.
The UK’s creative industries are currently worth £71.4 billion a year
Opened in November 2014 in the former Fujitsu factory on Wenlock Way, the £10.6m space project was designed to build on the success of Manchester's award-winning creative and digital hub, The Sharp Project, which opened on Vaughan Street in West Gorton in 2011.
The Council Executive will be asked to approve funding for Phase 2 & 3 of the Space Project, comprising 140,000 sq ft of new facilities located on land adjoining the existing 360,000 sq ft five stage production complex (hold on... doesn't the report read 'these proposals will seek to double the size of the existing Space Project'? Looks like someone's lost their abacus).
If funding is approved, a planning application should be submitted in early-2016.
The Space Project (credit: Andy Marshall)Susan Woodward, Founder of The Space Project, said:
"The Space Project has been incredibly successful already with high demand for our five production stages from clients including the BBC, Channel 4, Sky and ITV.
"We have been able to capture a larger share of the growing market, building on Manchester’s historic strength as a TV and drama centre. These proposals for expansion are very exciting and will allow us to compete for more business and bring even more productions to the North of England."
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council said:
"The master plan for The Space Project is part of the wider regeneration of West Gorton which has gained momentum over the last five years. These proposals will create more employment opportunities and accelerate the growth of the city’s digital economy, further strengthening and expanding the development of Manchester’s film, TV and drama industry.
"It’s vital we support the development of a digital content ‘ecosystem’ so we can compete and rival the ‘second tier’ of global digital hubs by 2020."
The Space Project estimates that they've benefitted the local economy to the tune of £9m and supported approximately 250 jobs.
According to the latest Government statistics, the UK’s creative industries are currently worth £71.4 billion a year.
