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Once the site of Salford Docks, one of the busiest ports in industrial Britain, MediaCity is now Greater Manchester’s engine of innovation. Home to major broadcasters, indie studios, experimental theatre, and game-changing start-ups, this waterside destination has transformed into a place where creative people thrive.
It’s the kind of neighbourhood where you might bump into a BBC presenter outside Sainsbury’s, take a VR fitness class in a converted shipping container, and then unwind over handmade dumplings from an indie food vendor. At MediaCity, the future isn’t on its way: it’s already happening. This is where the creative spark happens.
From docks to media powerhouse
In the 19th century, Salford Docks brought timber, grain, cotton and livestock into the heart of Greater Manchester. But by the late 20th century, shipping had moved on, and the area slipped into decline.
Then, in 2007, a huge regeneration project began. Peel Waters partnered with Salford City Council and the BBC to create a new kind of community, less about cargo, more about content and creativity. The result: MediaCity. The BBC moved into its glass-fronted northern home in 2011, ITV and dock10 followed, and a new neighbourhood started to rise from the old.
Salford Docks in 1926
Today, MediaCity is a buzzing hub of 8,000 residents and 250 businesses, with a further £1 billion of investment underway. Tower cranes are still a familiar skyline feature, but now they’re building smart apartments, co-working spaces, and leisure hubs.
Stroll down the tree-lined boulevards and you’ll pass canal boats, giant sculptures, digital billboards, and shipping containers converted into eco workspaces. It’s a walkable place, with broad pedestrian areas, trams gliding past every few minutes, and surprises tucked into every corner.
Businesses in MediaCity
LOWRY is celebrating 25 glorious years this year
At the heart of MediaCity’s cultural scene is LOWRY: an architectural landmark named after the celebrated Salford artist L.S. Lowry. Inside, you’ll find two world-class theatres and multiple galleries that blend major touring productions with community-led programming. If it’s a West End hit, experimental dance, or local youth theatre, LOWRY offers something for every taste. Its permanent Lowry collection, the largest in the world, showcases the artist’s iconic matchstick men and northern landscapes, providing a poignant glimpse into the region’s industrial past. With its striking waterside location and buzzing bar and café, it’s as much a place to linger and enjoy as it is to watch a show.
The gorgeous Imperial War Museum
Just across the water, Imperial War Museum North is one of the most powerful museums in the UK. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind to evoke the shards of a broken world, the building itself is a statement on conflict and resilience. Inside, immersive exhibitions and multimedia displays bring history to life, from global wars to personal stories of courage and survival. It’s not just about the past: the museum regularly explores modern issues like migration, peacekeeping, and protest, making it a place for reflection, learning, and conversation. Free to enter and brilliantly curated, IWM North is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand how conflict shapes lives, then and now.
With the opening of Kargo MKT, it finally felt like MediaCity had come into its own for local residents. This vibrant food hall highlights some of the best independent traders from across Greater Manchester. Just a short walk away, you’ll also find a range of well-known favourites, from Wagamama and The Alchemist to Turtle Bay and Pizza Express. Beyond the buzzing food and drink scene, Quayside MediaCity also offers a mix of high-street brands and convenient everyday stores.
Where it all happens – MediaCity
MediaCity means business. The incredible depth and breadth of innovative and iconic businesses on display is untouchable across the North West. Where old docklands once bustled with trade, a different kind of energy now flows. It’s less about cargo and cranes, more about content and creativity. But while the gleaming towers of the BBC and ITV are hard to miss, there’s much more to MediaCity than the broadcasters you see on your TV screen.
It’s in the buzz of the edit suites at dock10, where some of Britain’s biggest shows are stitched together. Tucked into the very fabric of MediaCity, dock10 is the UK’s leading television facility. This is where big Saturday night entertainment is born.
With ten purpose-built studios and post-production technology that feels like the future, dock10 is the place that makes content magic feel seamless. A stone’s throw away, BBC North continues to change the face of public broadcasting. Since 2011, it’s brought departments like BBC Sport, BBC Breakfast, CBBC, Radio 5 Live and the BBC Philharmonic to the North, and with them, over 3,000 staff.
But MediaCity’s story is not just told by the titans. It’s also found in the smaller, bolder, quietly brilliant businesses that give the area its soul.
There’s Badger & Combes, a production company with a mischievous name and a fiercely collaborative ethos. They’re not just about cameras and edits, they’re about creating leaders, embedding themselves in organisations, and building something longer-lasting than content: trust. What sets them apart? Their unique model: combining industry professionals with emerging talent to deliver high-quality, creatively ambitious content for broadcasters, brands, and public sector clients alike. Born from a mission to bridge the gap between education and the real world, they don’t just make media, they build pathways into it.
Photo credit: MediaCityUK
Then there’s The Reporters’ Academy: one of MediaCity’s passionate missions. Co-founded by Glyn McGuire and Katy Atkinson, this not-for-profit media production company gives young people between 14 and 25 the kind of real-world experience most professionals only dream of. Their team have worked with the NHS, Olympic bodies, The Prince’s Trust, all while training the next generation in storytelling, technical skills, and, most importantly, confidence. In an industry that can feel closed off, The Reporters’ Academy throws the doors wide open.
Across the road, Animal Direction Ltd is solving a very different challenge: how do you get a Labrador to look camera-ready on cue? Their work, casting animal talent for film, photography, and commercials, might sound niche, but their client list would make any production house jealous. Behind the scenes is a team with deep respect for animal welfare and a love for putting furry faces in the spotlight.
From left to right Steve Moyler, Bradley Harris and Matt McHugh
Born in a MediaCity co-working space, ThunderHawk has grown from a solo venture into one of the North West’s most exciting motion studios. Founded by Salford grad Matthew McHugh, the studio specialises in high-impact, short-form animated content for brands like Manchester United, JD Sports, Hasbro, and The North Face. But ThunderHawk isn’t just about slick visuals, it’s about pushing boundaries. Their recent work includes immersive, faux-out-of-home campaigns that project branded animations onto landmarks like Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower. With roots firmly planted in MediaCity and ambitions that stretch globally, ThunderHawk blends brand storytelling with technical flair, all while mentoring the next generation of animators through local university partnerships.
ImmersivEye is where 25 years of creative industry experience meets bleeding-edge innovation. Founded by Steve Moyler, a former McCann Creative Lead, the studio moves fluidly between traditional media and emerging tech, from directing Unreal Engine-driven metahuman shorts to producing VR experiences and AI-generated content. ImmersivEye’s projects span Microsoft to Sony Music, with recent work involving virtual production pilots using motion capture and real-time animation. Now based at MediaCity’s Content Studios, Steve and his team collaborate with fellow creatives to run workshops, develop live briefs, and reimagine what digital storytelling can be in a world where the screen is just the beginning
Helmed by creative technologist Bradley Harris, Krygon Studios is redefining the art of animation and virtual production. Operating at the crossroads of TV, games, and immersive media, the studio uses real-time engines like Unreal and full-body motion capture to bring characters, and stories, to life. From supporting Factor 15 on a jaw-dropping digital character for UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere or developing original IP for kids’ TV using cost-effective virtual pipelines, Krygon is pioneering the future of fast, scalable storytelling. Based in MediaCity’s immersive tech hub, they’re making high-end animation more accessible, without compromising an ounce of quality.
And of course, ITV stands proudly, a historic monolith of broadcast storytelling that stretches from these northern studios to screens across the world.
Perched on the Salford Quays waterfront, MediaCity is often seen as a glittering centre of UK broadcasting and digital innovation. Home to the BBC, ITV, dock10 studios and a constellation of tech and creative startups, it’s earned its place on the map as a place where news is made and stories are told.
But behind the gloss and the glass is something even more powerful: a community of people who’ve chosen to live right where the action is. “It’s a hub for creatives and young professionals who are all welcoming and friendly,” said Hank Hughes-Lundy, a proud MediaCity resident. “Every day, you meet new people, and there’s this amazing network just waiting to be discovered.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Annette Pivovarczyk, another local who’s made MediaCity her home. “Living here feels like you’ve found a spot between city energy and waterfront calm,” she said. “Everything I need is right here, or just a short walk away.”
Ask anyone who lives here what makes it special, and they won’t just talk about the buildings or the brands. They’ll talk about the people. “The community spirit is one of its most defining qualities,” said Annette.
“It’s strong, proud, and welcoming.” It could be creative professionals rubbing shoulders with university students or producers sharing coffee with coders, there’s a shared sense of forward-thinking ambition that binds the place together.
“Everyone here has their own character,” added Hank. “That eclectic nature really adds to the charm.” Unlike many areas known for industry, MediaCity isn’t a nine-to-five zone. It’s a full-time home to thousands, and it shows in the way the space has evolved. There are pockets of peace and playfulness hidden in plain sight. Summer transforms the area into a festival of food trucks, drinks by the water, outdoor yoga sessions and film screenings on the big screen at the piazza. And then there are the cultural powerhouses that anchor the community year-round.
“I love that there’s always something happening,” said Hank. “LOWRY has fantastic shows and exhibitions, and IWA [Imperial War Museum North] never fails to offer something meaningful. It’s a place where you can both switch off and plug in.”
Annette agrees, though her favourite aspect is perhaps simpler, but no less powerful. “There’s 24/7 security, and that really matters. I feel safe walking around here at night, which isn’t something you can say about every neighbourhood.”
Creativity runs through MediaCity like electricity. It’s in the broadcast towers and the digital labs, but also in the streets, the co-working spaces, and the independent cafes. For locals, that creative energy is more than a buzzword; it’s a way of life.
“MediaCity is full of people with big ideas,” said Annette. “It’s not just the big names -you’ve got freelancers, students, independent makers. There’s this amazing forward-thinking mindset that you just feel when you’re here.”
Food and drink in MediaCity
Whether you’re living, working or visiting, MediaCity has fast become one of Greater Manchester’s most exciting food and drink destinations. With waterfront views, global flavours and a mix of independent gems and innovative concepts, there’s something to suit every appetite.
Fresh Foccacia at Blanconero
Blanconero: Tucked away in Salford Quays, Blanconero is a gorgeous no-frills Italian restaurant with serious credentials. This place doesn’t mess around; they serve no less than seven types of lasagne, each lovingly layered and packed with flavour. Their house-made focaccia, stuffed with premium Italian meats and cheeses, is worth the trip alone. Think authentic Italian cuisine, no shortcuts, all soul. It’s one of those places where every dish feels like a treat, and it’s a must for pasta lovers.
11 Central
11 Central: A bar, microbrewery and all-around experience, 11 Central is brought to you by the legends at Seven Bro7hers and Four Sisters. Expect craft beers brewed on-site, innovative cocktails, live music, and cracking food, all served up with views of the water. There are beer and gin tastings, bar games, and the kind of atmosphere that makes “just one drink” last all evening. If you like a buzzing crowd and something a little different, 11 Central is a top shout.
Chapati Café: For a hearty, homestyle Indian lunch, Chapati Café has quickly become a MediaCity favourite. Created by husband-and-wife duo Dan and Priti, this independent spot serves up Gujarati-style “rice and three” curries in eco-friendly packaging, perfect for a lunch break or quick dinner. With a rotating menu of rich, aromatic dishes, you’ll never get bored of the flavours. There are veggie and meat options daily.
Photo Credit: Moose Coffee
Moose Coffee: Inspired by North American breakfast culture, Moose Coffee is the place for pancakes, stacks, eggs every which way, and the best kind of indulgent brunch. It’s a family-run Northern institution, and now MediaCity’s lucky enough to be home to their latest diner. Big portions, bold flavours, and excellent coffee – it’s no wonder people queue for this place.
MediaCity Kargo on the Docks
Kargo on the Docks: Once a year in May, the iconic Kargo on the Docks transforms MediaCity into an open-air celebration of street food. This reimagined cluster of shipping containers brings together a hand-picked mix of vendors from across the globe. This year’s line-up includes:
- Afro Shack – African spice meets comfort food
- Wok Bros – sizzling Asian noodles done right
- Sunrise Caribbean – jerk, curry, and good vibes
- Quiero Tacos – bold Mexican street food
- Habibs – authentic Middle Eastern shawarma
Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse: Brewed in Salford by actual brothers (seven of them!), this indie beer brand is a proper local success story. Their MediaCity taproom is a laid-back space where you can enjoy their latest beers, burgers, gyros and more. There’s a grassy outdoor area for sunny days, perfect for people-watching with a pint.
The Alchemist, MediaCity
The Alchemist: If cocktails with a side of theatre are your thing, The Alchemist is the spot. Known for bubbling, smoking, and colour-changing drinks, it’s a feast for all the senses. The food menu is just as bold, think international fusion with a twist, and there are options for gluten-free, vegan, and veggie diners. Inside, it’s sleek and futuristic; outside, you’ve got water views. Ideal for after-work drinks or a stylish evening out.
Kargo MKT: This modern food hall is easily one of the best places to eat in Greater Manchester right now. It’s a rotating lineup of top-notch traders from across the UK and beyond.
Here are just a few reasons to visit:
Bibimbaps at BAB K
BAB K: Bab K is the brainchild of the dynamic duo Mike and Gina, who transformed a humble horse trailer into a street food sensation. Serving up some of the finest Korean cuisine at festivals and events across Manchester, Bab K has quickly earned cult status. Their signature bibimbaps are a bold fusion of traditional Korean recipes and locally sourced ingredients, bursting with vibrant colours, exciting textures, and punchy, unforgettable flavours. This is Korean comfort food with a serious attitude, your taste buds won’t know what hit them.
Incredible Palestinian food at Baity
Baity: Owner Ali Yousef serves up slow-roasted lamb, miramiya chicken and all the rich, comforting flavours of his homeland. Baity brings the heart of Palestinian home cooking to Manchester, serving authentic dishes like musakhan, maqluba, and Gazan king prawns. Baity celebrates family recipes passed down through generations, offering a true taste of Palestinian culture with every bite. Don’t miss the Sunday roast twist.
Eritrean and Ethiopian delights at House of Habesha
House of Habesha: House of Habesha, created by Samson & Samuel, is a celebration of Eritrean and Ethiopian food culture, offering a welcoming space that honours the rich culinary traditions of both nations. Inspired by the term Habesha,” which unites Eritreans and Ethiopians, House of Habesha specialises in fresh, wholesome vegan dishes that highlight the diverse and flavorful heritage of their traditional diets. Committed to authenticity, they serve only freshly prepared, never processed or frozen, meals that bring together culture and nutrition on every plate.
Delicious jerk at Jerk Junction
Jerk Junction: Jerk Junction serves up the boldest Caribbean flavours this side of Jamaica, with signature dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and rice and peas, freshly prepared every day in their on-site jerk house. Known for big portions and even bigger love, Jerk Junction brings a true taste of Jamaica. More than just great food, it’s a place where everyone is treated like familí, from the kitchen crew to the local community.
Just check out that crust!
Leopard Pie: Neapolitan-style pizza with standout toppings and their now-legendary Honey Butter Ring garlic bread. With dough fermented for three days, ingredients sourced straight from Italy, and each pie fired to perfection at 550° to achieve its signature leopard-spotted crust, you don’t want to miss this.
Rottu Kadai Dosa: Bringing the bold flavours of South India to MediaCity, Rottu Kadai Dosa is all about crisp dosas, spicy chutneys and delicious butter chicken. With a mantra of “good food, good talk,” it’s a go-to for delicious, home-style cooking and a genuinely welcoming vibe.
Greek delights at That Ziki
That Ziki: What began as a wild idea between two brothers in 2022 has fast become one of the North West’s most exciting food stories. Jack and Luke, armed with zero hospitality experience but plenty of ambition, launched That Ziki from a food truck on a bleak patch of Worsley land, slinging gyros by headtorch to curious locals. Word spread quickly, and soon, they were selling out daily with queues down the street. Fast forward and That Ziki now has a permanent spot on Chorlton’s high street, and now a spot in Kargo MKT.
What’s Your Beef?
What’s Your Beef?: Started by two mates from Rochdale, What’s Your Beef is all about doing burgers the right way. Their patties are made from ethically sourced, grass-fed beef, blended to a perfect ratio with the help of a trusted local butcher. Add in fresh daily brioche buns, thick-cut local bacon, and house-made sauces, and you’ve got one of the best burgers around. No gimmicks, just proper, flavour-packed food.
Transport links
Photo credit: Manchester Bee Network
You can get to The Quays in 15 minutes from Manchester City Centre by using the Metrolink trams. Use the Eccles line, which stops at ‘Salford Quays’ or the Trafford Centre line which stops at the Imperial War Museum North. Several bus routes, including the 50 and QuaysLink, provide direct connections to MediaCityUK. The 50 bus, in particular, offers a frequent service between Salford Quays, Salford Central, and Manchester City Centre.
Parks and green spaces in MediaCity
Costa Del Salford
The main draw for MediaCity has to be the gorgeous waterside. When the sun is out, there’s no place like it, and they even have wonderful seats you can recline in to enjoy that fleeting sunshine to the fullest. There are several awesome riverside walks too, where you can take a breather and enjoy the fresh air. You can even get a cruise on the Salford Riviera! You can find out more about that here
Schools and house prices in MediaCity
There is a surprising amount of educational opportunity going on in MediaCity, not just in a traditional sense with universities and schools, but often leaning into the media side of things, an industry notoriously difficult to get into.
FutureSkills at Salford City College
FutureSkills at MediaCity, is a course run by Salford City College. A dynamic and hands-on environment, FutureSkills offers students a direct route into the world of media, from filming and editing to live broadcast and production. It’s a college, yes, but also a rehearsal space for life in the creative industries. With its studios and expert tutors just metres away from real working production houses, it’s hard to imagine a more immersive learning environment.
Just next door, the University of Salford continues to drive academic excellence. Its MediaCity campus is a hive of activity, with students studying everything from broadcast journalism and animation to film production and digital marketing. With access to industry-standard facilities and neighbours like the BBC and ITV, the university’s offering is not only academic, it’s deeply practical and career-focused.
Photo credit: UTC
But formal education is only part of the story here. For younger students, those aged 14 to 18, University Technical College (UTC) at MediaCity offers something unique: a secondary school that feels like a production house. Combining the creativity of a media course with the technical rigour of digital design, photography, game development and TV production, the UTC curriculum is built with employability in mind. Students don’t just learn, they do. They create. They produce. They build professional portfolios before they’ve even finished sixth form.
Then there are the initiatives that focus on access, inclusion, and opening doors that have traditionally been closed.
One of the most quietly radical projects in MediaCity is the Supported Internship programme, delivered in partnership by Pure Innovations, The Manchester College, and host employers across the area. Aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties or disabilities, the programme offers real, hands-on work placements across MediaCity, places like Dock10, Hotel Football, Seven Brothers Brewery, and even The Alchemist.
These aren’t token roles. Interns become part of the team, taking on three rotational placements over the course of the year, supported by on-the-job coaches and a passionate team that care deeply about inclusion. There’s no pressure on the employers, and no financial contribution needed, but the returns are huge: extra team capacity, improved morale, and the chance to make a lasting difference.
Photo credit: Youth Leads FB
In another corner of MediaCity, Youth Leads UK is making sure that the next generation not only finds employment but finds its voice. An award-winning youth-led charity, Youth Leads runs training programmes, creates opportunities, and publishes Xplode Magazine, all driven by the ethos that young people should lead, not just follow.
Media City and Dock 9
The development of residential areas alongside commercial and cultural venues has created a balanced urban community, offering improved lifestyle options for residents. The area’s amenities and green spaces contribute to a high quality of life.
House prices in MediaCityUK Tram Stop have an overall average of £203,667 over the last year. The majority of properties sold in MediaCityUK Tram Stop during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £199,478. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £300,000.
Overall, the historical sold prices in MediaCityUK Tram Stop over the last year were 4% down on the previous year and 19% down on the 2020 peak of £251,650.
You can find out more about what’s happening in MediaCity by clicking here
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