BBC Director-General Tim Davie has praised the “brilliant, sustainable” operation at MediaCity, during a visit to Salford.
He was in the region to mark 10 years of the corporation at MediaCity.
“What we have achieved in Salford over the past decade – with our partners from across the city and the region – has been remarkable,” he said.
“The BBC at MediaCity hasn’t just thrived; it has grown into a major regional and national success story. And it has proved just what the BBC can do to support the creative industries around the country.”
He added that the BBC’s Across the UK plan would see an extra £700m spent cumulatively around the country by 2027/28. That includes an increased presence for Radio 3 and 6 Music in Salford, as well as additional news teams.
“The relocation of the BBC to Salford has had a profound and lasting impact on our city and local economy. In the last decade Salford’s population has grown by almost 27,000, growth of 12%, well above GM and national comparators,” said Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett.
“Business growth has been extraordinary, over 68%, which again is well above comparators. We’ve enjoyed significant employment growth of 25,000 additional jobs -plus 20% – again well above GM and national employment growth.
“Economic output in the city, measured by £GVA, has increased substantially by £1.7 billion, an increase of almost one third, plus 30%, in the size of the local economy. The BBC has helped to fundamentally transform how Salford is perceived by people and investors.
“We have swapped dock workers for media makers, shipped goods for streamed content, but what drives us remains the same. The vision to make the impossible, possible. And that means we don’t just look back on history. We continue to live it.”
Davie also used his visit to the region to commend North West Tonight weather presenter Owain Wyn Evans, who raised more than £3m for Children in Need with his 24-hour drumathon.
