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2:44 pm, July 23, 2008
Manchester considers plan for digital production hub

By Joanne Birtwistle

Manchester City Council’s executive is today considering plans to invest £5m in turning the old Sharp electronics factory on Oldham Road in East Manchester into a hub for the digital production sector.

The move would “protect and enhance” the city’s media sector in the face competition from Salford’s Media City, according to the agenda notes ahead of the meeting.

Animation company Red Vision, currently based on Canal Street, is working with the council to help “shape the vision”.

Red Vision has an urgent need to expand the business because of recent commissions from ITV and other broadcasters, and it plans to find new accommodation by the end of the year.

“In the absence of suitable space in Manchester there is a risk that they will grow in London instead, as it is easier to recruit freelance animators there,” said the report.

The Sharp building provides around 200,000 sq ft of space and the report states that anticipated rental income at full occupancy would be £800,000. It adds that a more realistic occupancy rate of 80 per cent would bring in £640,000 for the council, which would continue to wholly own the building.

Comments? jbirtwistle@crain.com

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