Living in MediaCity
MediaCity has well and truly made its mark on the map of the North West of England. What’s it like to live there?
Situated on what was once the beating heart of the industrial revolution, the Manchester Ship Canal in Greater Manchester, it’s now carrying the baton with a different kind of revolution.
These days it’s a fast-growing hub of business, creativity, entertainment, sport, and leisure.
After the area was rescued from neglect and dereliction at the turn of the millennium, now some of the UK’s finest talent is queuing up to live and work in Salford Quays, and above all, in the creative hub of MediaCity.
Here are just a few of the reasons why…
Phenomenal career opportunities
Living in MediaCity entails being immersed in a world of business and creative opportunities.
The last few years has seen an influx of global brands, media production companies and digital start-ups springing up.
One of the largest media enterprise locations in Europe, MediaCity hosts BBC North, sports betting giant SIS Live, and ITV studios – where Coronation Street, the world's longest-running soap is filmed.
Other big names that have set up camp there are Kellogg’s, Vodafone and Ericsson, alongside literally hundreds of local businesses.
The area is set to receive an estimated further £1 billion of investment in the coming decade. It's also predicted to expand in size, doubling its area and as a consequence welcoming many other businesses and residential developments.
If you're looking to be at the centre of the action, then living in MediaCity in one of High Definition's developments is one fantastic way to do just that.
Rub shoulders with those who work at Dock 10, home to the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, or share ideas with the innovators who work at one of the 120 start-ups and tech businesses at The Landing.
You can even continue your professional development or have a fresh start with a course at Salford University, which has recently expanded into MediaCity.
The School of Arts and Media and the Business School run professional short courses in partnership with several local businesses. You can be sure to make plenty of fruitful connections.
Great transport links
Getting to and from MediaCity is easy thanks to a busy network of buses and Metrolink trams.
They facilitate smooth movement between MediaCity and Manchester City Centre. If you fancy getting some drinks or going shopping in central Manchester, or if you have a business meeting in the centre, all you have to do is catch one of the distinctive yellow trams that run every 12 minutes.
The buses run frequently too, and drivers can jump onto the M602 motorway to get out to Liverpool, Leeds, and beyond.
A lively leisure hub
Although MediaCity is located outside of Manchester City Centre, that doesn't mean that you'll be deprived of entertainment or leisure options.
Living in MediaCity, you'll be a short walk away from the Quayside Shopping Centre, where you can get hold of the latest fashions from high street retailers, as well as dip into Marks and Spencer, Holland and Barrett and Cadbury's.
After filling your bags in the shops, you can fill up your belly at one of the many seated restaurants or fast food places that can be found in the Mall Food Hall.
MediaCity itself offers a variety of restaurants and bars including Prezzo, and The Alchemist, The Botanist, and The Dockyard.
For food shopping there's the MediaCity general store which is a great place to spot celebrities getting their weekly shop in.
In the Quayside shopping centre you can also check out the latest flicks at the VUE cinema, or go and see a play at the Lowry Theatre next door.
Nearby you can enjoy a day out at the Imperial War Museum North, a fascinating retelling of the history of warfare, set in distinctive modern architecture. It's one of a family of five museums to be found in London, Cambridge and Northern Ireland.
Football fans should take advantage of the proximity of the iconic 'Theatre of Dreams', Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. Get a guided tour or watch the impassioned derby between rival teams Manchester United and Manchester City.
If you're more of a soap fan, make sure you take a trip down the cobbles with a guided tour of the Coronation Street set, located at MediaCity's ITV studios.
Luxurious waterfront living
Imagine waking up in the morning, stepping up to the window, and the first sight you see is a beautiful sunrise over peaceful, glistening waters.
Sounds like a fantasy, right? That fantasy could be a reality if you're living in one of High Definition's stylish apartments in MediaCity.
Its location on the waterside means that you can enjoy tranquil views of the quays, and also get active on the waters.
The Helly Hansen Watersports Centre at Ontario Basin provides a range of activities including, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.
There's even an annual triathlon where competitors brave the bracing waters of the River Irwell in an exciting race against the clock.
If you fancy testing the waters, you can also try wakeboarding and windsurfing. If that sounds like too much hard work, you can just observe from the docks as you take a stroll by the waters.
There's plenty of impressive architecture to take in as you pass by.
The unique shapes of the Imperial War Museum and the Lowry Theatre dominate the landscape, alongside the standout Millennium Footbridge.
The suspended bridge is a favourite spot to take photos of MediaCity lit up at night or to soak up delicious views of the sunset over the crystalline waters. (The waters are regularly cleaned, so they really are beautiful, and good enough to swim in.)
What’s more, you can even hop on a boat to Liverpool if you fancy a trip further afield, in style.
And if you ever liked watching Blue Peter as a kid, don't miss out on a trip to the Blue Peter Garden.
Amazing accommodation
Thanks to the digital and creative opportunities springing up in MediaCity and in its surrounding areas, there are already more than 7,500 people living there.
Living in MediaCity at High Definition will open many doors and give you the chance to mingle and share ideas with internationally renowned brands and local independent businesses.
Setting yourself up in MediaCity means thriving in a forward-thinking location, surrounded by like-minded, motivated people. All while living in a modern, stylish setting with all of MediaCity’s exciting features on your doorstep.
