Thumbs Up To Beeb’s Move North

THE National Audit Office has praised the BBC’s move to Salford Quays in a landmark review.

Its report highlighted local job growth, large-scale investment in Salford’s economy, and a commitment to the city’s youth, as evidence of the successful move north. The NAO report emphasised other positive results of the BBC’s move north, such as the corporation hiring local production companies and its partnerships with local colleges to train youngsters.

Salford City Mayor Ian Stewart welcomed the findings of the report as a “vindication” of the council’s vision in developing Salford Quays and bringing the BBC to the city.

He said: “The BBC’s move north has clearly been good for Salford, caused an upsurge in new business and jobs in the city, and begun to shift the balance of media power and awareness away from London. As our pre-eminent public broadcaster, the BBC has become less London-centred and that can only be a good thing.

BBC Breakfast

“The consequent regeneration of Salford Quays has contributed £1 billion to Salford’s economy. That means more than 25,000 jobs, almost 1,000 businesses, and a wave of new opportunities for Salford’s youngsters.

“The BBC’s move to Salford was the catalyst for all of this. Even at a time of national recession and Government cuts, the rebirth of Salford Quays is an unparalleled success story for our city and the north.

“Just eight years ago, MediaCityUK was nothing more than a temporary car park. Now, it is the envy of the country where world-class minds are creating, learning and teaching the next generation of Salford’s kids in the digital revolution.

“The BBC is working with the city council, Salford University, and local schools and colleges, to develop amongst our young people the high-quality skills they will need to grab the jobs of the future – that will be the legacy of the BBC’s move north. Their arrival in our city is also lifting aspirations amongst local people and showing them that they can achieve their dreams if they apply themselves.

“The National Audit Office’s assessment that the BBC’s move north has led to such a rapid economic growth in Salford is a vindication of the drive and vision that my predecessors had in bringing this revolution to bear.”