Peel outlines ‘green’ vision for Media City UK

Peel Holdings has unveiled details of its environmental plans for Media City UK, the 200-acre project set to become home to the BBC in Salford Quays.

The BBC's three buildings, totalling 330,000 sq ft, will be built to meet BREEAM's 'excellent' rating for sustainability. Throughout the construction stage, Peel said, a site-specific environmental management plan will be implemented to minimise the use of resources and prevent pollution, to be independently audited by the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

Peel also said green spaces, tree-lined streets and 'pocket parks' will be "woven into the urban and waterside environment".

Ed Burrows, property director of the Peel Media subsidiary, said: "Environmental issues are important today but when the site is up and running in 2011, these issues will be all the more critical.

"A grid of pedestrian and cycle-friendly streets will be a feature of the site, connecting people to and within the media hub. The potential use of river taxis is also being explored to reduce car travel and encourage connectivity. The Metrolink tram service will be extended to the heart of Media City UK and the frequency of services improved to provide a tram every six minutes."

Construction of the BBC offices, led by main contractor Bovis, started in June. The creation of waste has been minimised with supply chain management, green procurement, recycling and grey water systems. Peel will also explore the potential of low and zero carbon technologies, along with opportunities to integrate renewable energy solutions.

In addition to five BBC departments, Media City UK will feature 1m sq ft of offices, 532 apartments, a five-acre park, a new Metrolink tram station, car parking, hotels, retail and leisure.

Peel is in talks with Salford University over a 600,000 sq ft relocation of its media, arts and social studies faculty.