WHSmith takes Media City unit

Retailer WHSmith has signed to a 1,000 sq ft unit in the open centre within the new studio facility at Peel's Media City UK development in Salford Quays.

Bryan Gray, chairman of the Peel Media Group, said: "Ensuring we have the appropriate blend of retail outlets at Media City UK is paramount to creating the right ambience and building a city environment. WHSmith are a well-known high street brand and we are pleased that they will be serving the needs of visitors, residents and employees at Media City UK."

The first phase of Media City UK, which scheduled to be completed in 2011, includes approximately 80,000 sq ft for retail and leisure use. Peel Media said that the space will be divided into a range of units across the site. The open centre will feature a split level reception area that will house bars, cafés and an information point.

Developed and managed by Peel Media, Media City UK will be home to around 5,000 workers, students, residents and visitors when the first phase is complete, including nearly 2,500 BBC staff, and 700 students and staff from the University of Salford.

Since it was established in 1828, WHSmith now has over 1,000 stores in the UK comprising over 565 high street stores and 490 retail units in airports, railway stations, hospitals, workplaces and motorway service areas.

WHR and Cushman & Wakefield are joint letting agents at the high-profile 5m sq ft scheme. Details of the rental agreement was not disclosed.