The man tasked with pushing forward MediaCityUK’s £1 billion phase two ambitions as a creative, technology and digital destination has been named as property heavyweight Chris Reay.
MediaCityUK has a 10-year vision to double its existing footprint which will strengthen its position at the forefront of the Smart City evolution, featuring innovation, sustainability and enhanced connectivity.
In his new role as property director Reay will be instrumental in delivering the ambition as well as overseeing its real estate management.
MediaCityUK’s development potential over the next decade will add 2.5m sq m, including 10 new buildings across eight plots, including 50,000 sq m of business accommodation, over 4,000 sq m of live/work units, 1,871 residential units including town houses, over 4,400 sq m of retail and leisure space and over 1,800 car parking spaces.
During his five years at Allied, Reay was responsible for overseeing commercial leasing, investment sales and development activity of The XYZ Building, No 1 Spinningfields and securing the 220,000 square foot pre-let to Booking.com at Enterprise City. He also established co-work business, All Work & Social.
He said: “I’m delighted to be joining the MediaCityUK team at such an exciting time. I started my career in Salford, studying at the University of Salford, and I have admired the progress of MediaCityUK over the past decade, so to have the opportunity to positively influence its future throughout this next dynamic phase is a privilege.
“A key part of my role will be enabling future development through attracting pre-lets for workspace and linking together the ecosystem on the estate. I am looking forward to playing my part in the continued success of MediaCityUK as a Smart City and part of this will be through attracting the creative and technological innovators of the future.”
Stephen Wild, MediaCityUK’s managing director, added: “Manchester is leading the way in media, financial services and digital technology. At MediaCityUK, we’ve established a premier broadcasting hub and we’re ideally positioned to take advantage of new opportunities in the growth of Smart Cities, including Fintech, during the next stage of our expansion.
“Phase two is already underway and is visible with the delivery of the Lightbox residential tower as well as Atlas’ PRS (private rental scheme) the Green Rooms, which will create nearly 500 new apartments by the end of the year.
“We’re delighted that Chris is now on board to increase momentum and use his knowledge and expertise to transform our vision into a reality.”
MediaCityUK is a joint venture between Peel L&P and Legal and General.