Exciting times for Greater Manchester and young talent as a brand-new state-of-the-art content creation space has just launched over in Salford.
Over the past decade, MediaCity has become a highly celebrated creative and cultural hub, home to the likes of the BBC, ITV, Lowry and more.
It’s become more than just an outpost accessible via a short tram ride but a true heavyweight of the media and creative industries here in the UK, always looking to expand and push the boundaries.
Now, following the completion of its latest project, MediaCity looking to provide a space for future generations of content creators and aspiring media makers.
Credit: MediaCity (supplied)
This brand new £600,000 state-of-the-art content creation space marks a huge milestone in MediaCity’s continuing journey as not just a Northern hub for digital and creative innovation, but a go-to national destination for future media.
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Designed to cater to the growing climate of cutting-edge content creation and offer a professional workspace at an accessible rate, Content Studio provides a range of versatile creative spaces, including light, dark and podcast studios – perfect for video and stills production, castings, photoshoots and more.
Curated by University of Salford alumni Ashley Salmon the studio has been designed to meet the needs of modern content creators, influencers, social media stars, brands and businesses of all kinds.
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Promising to offer both a dynamic and inspiring space where people can produce high-quality and innovative content while fostering a supportive creative community, this place aims to live up to Greater Manchester’s media reputation: industry-leading.
The Content Studio will also be made accessible to students and creatives spending time over at the MediaCity campus, with a good chunk of the core production team including recent graduates from the University, giving them a valuable platform to showcase their skills and kickstart their careers.
Credit: Supplied
For the first time, creators will have access to a range of industry-quality facilities at an affordable rate, with spaces starting from just £10 per hour – a super reasonable price point, especially these days.
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To further enhance the creative process, MediaCity has partnered with experienced on-site production companies to ensure every booking is fully equipped with all the facilities for seamless content creation.
Boasting everything from infinity walls and green screens to cameras, audio gear, props and pretty much everything you’d ever need.
To make things even sweeter, hiring the content creation space also comes with the option of one-on-one consultations, so creators can focus on creating rather than coordinating.
Even those who require significantly more space and tech requirements will be able to make use of the neighbouring dock10 studios.
Through a partnership with local creative community group Heads, creators will also have plenty of access to exclusive workshops and upskilling opportunities, ensuring they stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
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Credit: Supplied
The MediaCity Content Studio isn’t just another content creation/production space – Greater Manchester has tonnes of those – it’s also an exciting new outlet for new talent, collaboration, innovation and inspiration, not to mention an investment in the future.
Anyone working out of the space will have the tools to carve their own path and help shape the future of entertainment and digital media in the North and beyond.
To mark the launch of the new content creation space, MediaCity is even introducing a new podcast, This is MediaCity in partnership with University of Salford and produced by Stephen Chapman, Founder and Creative Director of 39 Pictures.
The podcast is set to spotlight the people and stories that make this particular corner of 0161 the creative powerhouse we know, love and remain immensely proud of.
Director of Marketing and Place at MediaCity, Caroline Aikman, said of the exciting project: “Content Studio represents our commitment to nurturing the next generation of digital creators and innovators.
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“By providing the tools, spaces, and inspiration, we’re not just supporting the future of content—we’re empowering it. This marks an exciting chapter in MediaCity’s journey, cementing our reputation as the go-to destination for digital creativity.”
JD to open largest-ever flagship store in Manchester this weekend
Daisy Jackson
The countdown is on to the grand opening of JD’s brand-new flagship store, with the sports fashion brand preparing to open in the Trafford Centre in Manchester on Saturday 7 June.
The new store will be JD’s biggest ever, delivering world-class shopping experiences that will ‘serve the community and redefine what’s possible’.
JD was born right here in Greater Manchester, first opening in Bury in 1981, and has gone on to be a leader in sports fashion and lifestyle retail.
With this new flagship store, shoppers will be able to discover the hottest drops from global sportswear giants like Nike, adidas, On Running and PUMA, plus JD exclusives like Unlike Humans.
The landmark new opening will be celebrated in a big way this weekend at the Trafford Centre, with none other than eight-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Usain Bolt attending the grand unveiling.
Then there’ll be the chance to win prizes, shop rare and sought-after sneakers, and get items customised.
The new JD store officially opens its doors tomorrow – Saturday 7 June – from 10am, with loads of exciting experiences planned.
JD to open largest-ever flagship store at The Trafford Centre in Manchester this weekend
Usain Bolt will be in store, with select fans having the opportunity to show off their running skills in front of the fastest man on the planet.
Lucky shoppers will be put into teams to race for prizes, and will have the chance to try and beat Bolt’s record on the Puma Nitro 100 metre spring challenge.
YouTube giants Beta Squad will also be there throughout the opening morning, bringing their energy and humour live and direct.
Meanwhile, Nike is bringing the ‘Nike AM95: The Vault’, giving sneakerheads a chance to get their hands on a sold-out OG Heat product.
At exactly 1.10pm – a throwback to the ‘110s’ nickname – there’ll be the OG Mandarin up for grabs, along with a limited run of the OG Pink Foam, which will be on sale from doors opening at 10am.
A glimpse of the largest JD store in the world
Crep Protect will be hosting demos and giveaways; Unlike Humans will be there with their ice cream truck serving matcha and vanilla mochi; and you can get any Unlike Humans item you buy customised by Matt B Customs for free.
James Air, Director of Group Acquisitions at JD, commented: “This new store at Trafford Centre is set to be a true statement of intent. It’s our biggest, boldest space to date – and it’s happening in the city where our journey began.
“This is JD at its very best: fashion-forward, community-focused, and pushing the boundaries of retail.
“And JD’s opening at Trafford Centre isn’t just about creating a dynamic new shopping destination – it also brings new jobs to the area, reinforcing the brand’s ongoing investment in the local communities it serves, which is at the heart of JD’s mission.”
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome the world’s largest JD to Trafford Centre. This mammoth, flagship store is a game-changer, not just for Manchester but for retail as a whole.
“With expert staff on hand, immersive displays and bespoke services, the new JD store will be a destination in its own right – promising an incredible in-store experience.”
JD’s new flagship store has been fuelled by the brand’s Forever Forward mission that propels youth culture forward.
Expect groundbreaking releases, creative partnerships and cutting-edge cultural experiences.
JD will open its flagship store at the Trafford Centre in Manchester on Saturday 7 June from 10am.
There’s a new summer terrace in town with a weekend spritz happy hour
Daisy Jackson
There’s a new summer terrace in Greater Manchester that’s the ideal spot to soak in some rays – and enjoy a few discounted spritzes while you’re there.
Over on Chapel Street – just across the river from Manchester Cathedral – you’ll find Embankment Kitchen, which has opened up its terrace for the season.
This stylish spot is part of the CitySuites aparthotel, and has a menu rooted in the warm spirit of Northern hospitality.
It’s worth a visit all year round for their seasonally-focused, local-as-possible menus, but the summer terrace at Embankment Kitchen is a real added bonus in spring and summer.
And following that spell of absolutely glorious weather, they’re opening up two hours earlier every day too for maximum sun-soaking from 2pm.
At Embankment Kitchen you can tuck into a drinks and nibbles menu from 2pm until 5pm, and Happy Hour drinks deals from 4pm until 7pm.
That means two-for-one cocktails, plus discounted wines, prosecco and beers – an ideal post-work haunt.
Cocktails at Embankment Kitchen in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupSmall plates on the Embankment Kitchen terrace. Credit: The Manc Group
It’s usually almost impossible to find a happy hour in Manchester at weekends, but these guys are doing two-for-£12 spritzes every Saturday and Sunday between 12pm and 4pm, with flavours including Aperol, Hugo, and limoncello.
Drinks on the menu include signature cocktails that are inspired by the city’s industrial roots, like The Emmeline, Manchester Exchange (a take on an old fashioned), and the Atomic Zombie, as well as classic cocktails such as an espresso martini, limoncello negroni, amaretto sour, and strawberry daiquiri.
As for nibbles, tuck into treats like garlic bread, edamame beans with smoked salt, garlic and parmesan fries, salt and pepper tater tots, and halloumi fries.
Surrounded by lush plants and gigantic parasols, it’s hard to believe you’re just across the river in Salford when you’re soaking up the sun at Embankment Kitchen. To find out more, head HERE.
Danny Jones -
7th February 2025 
