Satellite firm SIS to move from London to MediaCityUK
Satellite Information Services is to relocate its London operation to MediaCityUK at Salford Quays, where it expects to have more than 100 staff.
SIS, which provides live outside broadcast and satellite services, has had space at Salford's Pie Factory since 2006 but will now take "a minimum" of 25,000 sq ft space to house its production and engineering facilities from London.
It will start to fit out its new space from next year before completing its relocation by 2013.
David Holdgate, chief executive of SIS, said: “The MediaCityUK development at Salford Quays represents a fantastic opportunity for SIS and our staff to be based in what will become the television centre of the UK.
"As well as co-locating with some key clients, including the BBC, we’ll have the advantage of purpose built premises.”
SIS will join BBC North and the University of Salford as key tenants at the 36-acre site.
Bryan Gray, chairman of Peel Media, the developers behind MediaCity, said: "We are delighted that SIS has taken the strategic decision to relocate its London operation to MediaCityUK.
"The company has a first class reputation within the broadcasting industry, and the experience and expertise of SIS staff will be a key component in what MediaCityUK has to offer."
MediaCityUK aims to become the largest purpose-built media and creative hub in Europe over the next ten years.
The BBC, whose search for a new northern base kick-started the project, is set to move nearly 2,500 staff to MediaCityUK in 2011, including BBC Breakfast and five departments currently based in London (Radio 5 Live, Children’s, Sport, Learning and Future Media and Technology).
The University of Salford will open a new higher education centre at MediaCityUK next year, housing 1,700 students and staff.