Scottish TV announces move to Pacific Quay

Scottish Television is to move from its Cowcaddens site in central Glasgow to a purpose-built media centre on the banks of the River Clyde at Pacific Quay.
In the deal signed today with Pacific Quay Developments, Scottish TV has secured a 20-year lease on a four-storey building to be constructed at the Gateway site on Pacific Quay, immediately adjacent to the South Rotunda and the proposed bridge linking Pacific Quay with the city centre.
Separately, Scottish TV has agreed to sell its Cowcaddens site to Aberdeen-based Scotia Homes, who plan to redevelop the site for mixed use. The Cowcaddens deal includes an area of the site owned by Glasgow City Council, who will receive a share of the sale proceeds from its sale.
Work will start on Scottish TV's new home at Pacific Quay, subject to planning permission, in the Autumn of 2004. The building will also house the corporate offices of Scottish TV's parent company, SMG plc and the company expects to move into the 63,000 sq ft facility in Autumn, 2006.
The new building will house state of the art studios, edit suites and transmission facilities as well as offices, dressing rooms and staff areas for the company's 350 Glasgow-based staff in addition to significant numbers of freelance and contract staff. Scottish TV expects to invest approximately £20m in the fit-out of the building, creating one of the most modern television studios in Europe, mirroring that of its sister station, Grampian TV, in Aberdeen, which opened in June of 2003.
Commenting on the announcements, Donald Emslie, Chief Executive of SMG Television, said: "Scottish TV serves viewers across central Scotland, but its home has always been in Glasgow. I'm delighted we've found such a prestige site, in a great location that meets the needs of our business and our staff. I can't wait for Scottish TV to move to Pacific Quay.
"The Cowcaddens deal with Scotia, who we know well, allows us to continue to serve our viewers while our new facility is built."
Alan Somerville, Director, Pacific Quay Developments, said: "This is fantastic news. Everyone has worked tirelessly to secure this landmark deal and I am delighted that SMG will be at our waterfront site within the next two years.
"SMG require purpose-built studios to provide state-of-the-art technology to fulfil modern broadcasting demands. I am delighted that SMG will join the BBC on the waterfront which will become home to Scotland's broadcasters for many years to come."
(GB)