Meeting Manchester: MediaCityUK

5th March 2019

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MediaCityUK is the instantly recognisable home of the BBC and ITV. Hundreds of high-quality programmes and documentaries are broadcast from the area around the world, making it a great place to base creative events and access a wealth of unique venues ready to take-on any technical or creative challenge.

Reached easily from Manchester Piccadilly train station in just 25 minutes by Metrolink tram, and with the Trafford Park Line set to increase connectivity by 2020, MediaCityUK is a well-connected and picturesque destination that can even be accessed by canal boat along the industrial heritage waterways.

Take a look at our pick of a few of the venues offering events and conferencing space at MediaCityUK:

The Lowry

Named after Salford-born artist LS Lowry, famous for his matchstick men paintings of industrial Manchester, the architecturally impressive Lowry theatre has the largest collection of Lowry paintings in the world, alongside other changing works of art.

The arts centre itself has three theatre spaces, with a year-round programme of musicals, drama and arts. The large and unique building has 12 events spaces catering for meetings from 10 to 1,730 delegates, offering waterside views and optional on-site catering and professional in-house technical support on hand.

As an added special touch, delegates can even request a private viewing of the LS Lowry collection or tour of the centre’s three theatres.

IWM North

Designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind with a floor and ceiling that follows the curve of the Earth, the Imperial War Museum North holds artefacts from conflicts and special exhibitions which are available for private view to delegates.

The space has a show-stopping 360-degree cinematic backdrop allowing videos and pictures to appear across the vast main exhibition hall, which can hold up to 700 people for receptions. The museum can offer bespoke lighting packages, digital wallpaper and provide various unique spaces (featuring wartime aeroplanes!), and even outdoor terrace space for those warmer days on the Quays.

The museum also has a viewing platform allowing a sneak peek into the Coronation Street TV set, and sweeping views of MediaCityUK and beyond.

Manchester River Cruises

MediaCityUK is set around the charming waterside of Salford Quays, and is well connected to the canals that lead right into the heart of Manchester.

Manchester River Cruises is an alternative way to have a relaxing meeting as you cruise past Salford Docks, along the Bridgewater canal and through Castlefield Basin with its Victorian-era bridges and converted factories.

Alternatively, a river cruise is a great way to entertain your group of guests, catering for up to 100 people for a daytime or evening private cruise complete with additional entertainment, drinks and catering packages.

University of Salford, MediaCityUK campus

The University of Salford joined the likes of the BBC and ITV when it created a campus at MediaCityUK to bring budding media and journalism students closer to the North’s media hub.

The campus offers a variety of spaces to hire, from traditional lecture theatres and classrooms, to a whole floor conferencing suite and theatre style studio with space for 80 exhibition-style stands.

Uniquely, with the University focussing on media subjects, there are also two TV studios and radio suites for hire, all with an on-hand technician, which could make a great team-bonding session or even a place to turn imaginative ideas into professional pieces ready for broadcast or advertising.

Bars and restaurants

Alongside being home to fantastic and unique events spaces, which can make any creative and inspired event come to life – MediaCityUK is also a great social space with lovely waterside restaurants and bars ready to entertain delegates.

Trendy bars The Alchemist and The Botanist serve cocktails by master mixologists, popular coffee spot Grindsmith has opened its third venue at MediaCityUK, and a handful of restaurants including Pier 8 at The Lowry, The Dockyard gastropub, and Wagamama make great places to eat. In the summer months, The Piazza – a large square outside the BBC and ITV – welcomes small independent traders offering street food style eats and deck chairs to relax and enjoy the sunshine.