An academy to train a new generation of sports journalists is to open in Salford this autumn. Planners have given the go-ahead for the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) to be established at MediaCityUK.
Change of use plans have been approved to transform commercial space in Quay Plaza, on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, into a sports media teaching centre for UCFB and the Global Institute of Sport (GIS), with a contractor to be appointed soon, and its hoped the new centre will open in September this year.
Four floors, spanning almost 11,000 square feet, will specialise in the teaching of sports media, communications, and broadcasting degrees. The facility, next to the Millennium Bridge and overlooking Old Trafford Football Stadium will include several lecture and seminar rooms, as well as a study lounge and staff facilities with the capacity for up to 410 staff and students at any one time, with up to a further 1,000 students able to use the building for timetabled classes.
Starting at Turf Moor, Burnley in 2011, and relocating to Manchester in 2016, UCFB and GIS has grown year on year, with developments in London, Manchester, Miami, Melbourne and now MediaCity in Salford.
UCFB says its "unique learning model" is designed to maximise career prospects in the football and sports industries. In addition to a degree or professional qualification, students and delegates hear from leading guest speakers and have the opportunity to join its global industry network.
Stephen Wild, Managing Ditector for MediaCity, said: “Quay Plaza will provide a fantastic and inspirational base for UCFB’s sports media, communications, and broadcasting students. The BBC, ITV and dock10 are right on its doorstep as well as other educational establishments at MediaCity such as The University of Salford and University Technical College and will help secure the next generation of talent here at MediaCity.”
Brendan Flood, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of UCFB and GIS, said: “MediaCity is one of the world’s leading Media and Tech hubs, and we are incredibly excited to announce our plans to create an exciting new destination for our students. We look forward to working with Peel Land &Property, Salford City Council and the MediaCity family to bring these plans forward, enabling the development of the next generation of talent for the region."
Mr Wild added: “UCFB will bring a new and exciting media communications facility to MediaCity, which will inspire the next generation of talent. We’re looking forward to working with UCFB to help make their vision a reality.”
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