BBC shortlists four sites for Manchester move

Four possible sites have been identified in Manchester and Salford as part of the BBC drive to find a home outside of London for several departments and channels.
A progress report on the BBC's plan, part of the BBC's wider 'Out of London' strategy, was recently submitted to the BBC Board of Governors.
The proposed move, due to take place in 2010, involves the CBBC department, including the CBBC and CBeebies channels; Children's Learning; BBC Sport, BBC Radio Five Live and Five Live Sports Extra; and BBC New Media and R&D.
The Governors endorsed the findings of the feasibility study carried out by the project team which included ways of developing a new vision for the BBC in Manchester. Their preferred option is to create a Media Zone for the BBC, independent producers, facilities suppliers and, potentially, other broadcasters – while retaining the option of creating a new 'stand-alone' BBC operation.
They noted that potential cost savings were possible through partnerships and new ways of working, including radical approaches to future accommodation, technology and facilities provision and requested further progress in this area.
Four sites – two in Manchester and two in Salford - have been shortlisted as a result of the feasibility study.
The current BBC building in Oxford Road is to be closed by 2010. The BBC said that the cost and associated disruption of temporarily accommodating existing staff, would make it more expensive than the alternative options and the physical limitations in terms of delivering the wider vision of a Media Zone.
The project team will begin negotiations with potential partners and site providers in order to identify a single site offering the best possible value to licence fee payers.
However, the final decision expected to be made in 2006, remains subject to a satisfactory Licence Fee settlement.
The Manchester move, The BBC North Project, is part of the BBC's wider Out of London strategy which is a key component of the BBC's Building Public Value vision announced in 2004.
The BBC Executive and the Board of Governors approved the Manchester plans in principle in December 2004.
(SP)