New Coronation Street building to be demolished due to faults
A building at Coronation Street’s new production base in MediaCityUK will have to be pulled down and rebuilt after problems were identified with its structure.
Construction managers Mace became concerned after the steel framework of the studio appeared to have moved after work was completed on the roof, the Manchester Evening News reports.
“Mace confirm they are managing the reconstruction of the partially-built stage areas at ITV’s new Coronation Street production facility at MediaCityUK. This work is necessary due to the original steel frame of the stage areas showing signs of slight movement beyond acceptable construction tolerances. Mace confirm that the site is safe and that works to the main support building, the lot and all other areas of the site are continuing.” – Construction company, MACE
Despite the extra work, Coronation Street bosses are still looking to make the move to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays by Autumn 2013. Corrie, based currently at the Granada Television studios on Quay Street in Manchester decided to relocate to the Media hub in Salford, where the BBC also relocated leaving their Oxford Road studio, which opened in the 1970s.
The Granada Studios have been in operation since 1956 and Coronation Street has had the majority of its episodes produced there – apart from a short absence in the 1960s when a few weeks worth of editions were produced in the Tyne Tees Television studios on City Road in Newcastle Upon Tyne. This was due – according to TTTV historic documents – to allow for work to be carried out at the Manchester home of the serial.
“ITV’s construction manager Mace has recommended a rebuild of two steel structure areas on the new Coronation Street site. Construction of the man building and the Coronation Street lot continues uninterrupted, as does production of the show at the current Quay Street site, and we remain on track to begin ITV’s move to the new MediaCityUK base in the autumn.” – ITV Spokesperson
